The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 49.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- The school is at capacity (97% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
49.2
5.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
50%
8.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
48%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.17
Band 2Source: 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
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
94%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 289 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
19% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 144 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,834
- Capacity
- 97%
- FSM
- 15.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Norfolk
- Trust
- BROAD HORIZONS EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Penny Bignell (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Laundry Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 0XS
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmDussindale Primary School
Primary · 668m away
Hillside Avenue Primary and Nursery School, Thorpe
Primary · 803m away
St William's Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Heartsease Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Heartsease Primary Academy
Primary · 1.9km away
The Open Academy
Secondary · 2.2km away
Falcon Junior School
Primary · 2.5km away
Cecil Gowing Infant School
Primary · 2.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form a selective school?
No. Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form's Ofsted rating?
Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in April 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form?
Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form currently has 1,834 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form take?
Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form?
Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form is in Norwich, NR7 0XS, in the Norfolk local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form have a sixth form?
Yes, Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.