The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2020).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 42.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2020
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
42.4
1.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
42%
0.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
32%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.07
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
87%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
80%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 207 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
25% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 135 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,361
- Capacity
- 66%
- FSM
- 30.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Norfolk
- Trust
- INSPIRATION TRUST
- Head
- Dr Michael Fordham (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Good
March 2020 | School Inspection
Short inspection
November 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
December 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
July 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
March 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
May 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2012 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Croxton Road, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1LH
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmRosemary Musker High School, Thetford
Secondary · Very close
Drake Primary School
Primary · 663m away
Raleigh Infant Academy
Primary · 668m away
Admirals Academy
Primary · 668m away
Thetford Grammar School
Independent · 1.8km away
The Bishops Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
The Bishop's Church of England Primary Academy
Primary · 1.9km away
Compass Community School Eld Park
Independent · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Thetford Academy a selective school?
No. The Thetford Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Thetford Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Thetford Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in April 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Thetford Academy?
The Thetford Academy currently has 1,361 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Thetford Academy take?
The Thetford Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Thetford Academy?
The Thetford Academy is in Thetford, IP24 1LH, in the Norfolk local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Thetford Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, The Thetford Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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