Wayland Academy
73%
Capacity
548
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Wayland Academy
Wayland Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Breckland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 548 pupils on roll, operating at 73% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Wayland Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lucy Austin, it falls under Norfolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.61 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.3. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 368th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 8 in Breckland.
Wayland Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 150 applications for 113 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 123 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Wayland Academy include Theatre, ICT Suite, Library, Art Studios, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Tennis, Rounders, Athletics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Coding, Choir, Young Enterprise and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.1%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Breckland, Wayland Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Merton Road, Thetford, Breckland, IP25 6BA |
| Headteacher | Lucy Austin |
| Local Authority | Norfolk |
| Number of Pupils | 548 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.1% |
| School Capacity | 548 / 750 (73% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 Jul 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 25 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.61)
368th of 3,141
Nationally
44th of 350
In East of England
1st of 8
In Breckland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed113
150
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
123 families put this school as their 1st choice (82% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wayland Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Merton Road, Thetford
Breckland, IP25 6BA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Wayland Academy!
Write a Review