Classpot

Wayland Academy

Breckland, IP25 6BASecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jul 2023
Progress 8
+0.61
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
123 1st-choice / 113 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#368 of 3,141 nationally

About Wayland Academy

Wayland Academy is a popular choice among local families, with 123 first-preference applications for 113 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.33. Of those first-preference applicants, 105 received offers, reflecting strong demand for this 11-16 mixed state secondary in Breckland. The school currently has 548 pupils against a capacity of 750, so there is some physical room to grow, but the oversubscription figures suggest it is already a go-to option for many parents. A quarter of its students (25.1%) are eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average, and the school’s SEND provisions cover Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, indicating a broad support offer for a range of needs.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressMerton Road, Thetford, Breckland, IP25 6BA
HeadteacherLucy Austin
Local AuthorityNorfolk
Number of Pupils548
Free School Meals (FSM)25.1%
School Capacity548 / 750 (73% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

11 Jul 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 25 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
TheatreICT SuiteLibraryArt StudiosScience LabsSixth Form CentreGymnasiumChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

16

Sports

HockeyTennisRoundersAthleticsBasketballRowingSwimming

Clubs & Activities

DramaCodingChoirYoung EnterpriseBook ClubDuke of EdinburghChessDebateModel United Nations

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageLearning Difficulty

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wayland Academy

Wayland Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.