“Impressive” personal development at the heart of Ofsted success at Thetford Academy

Thetford Academy is celebrating the recent Ofsted inspection that found the academy is continuing to build on the good work identified in the previous inspection. In March 2020, the academy was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, describing that pupils ‘feel valued and cared for’. This ungraded inspection was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 and found the school to have maintained the standards previously identified.

Ofsted praised the opportunities at Thetford Academy and said:

“Music and sport are at the heart of the exceptional programme of enrichment activities. Pupils participate in the wide range of clubs. These include Mandarin, gardening and a school orchestra.”

The academy is proud of the opportunities provided for all pupils in Thetford, delivering a wide range of extra-curricular activities to support the development of rounded individuals at the school. This is particularly notable in the transition from Year 6 into Year 7 where support is in place for pupils to make the most of their time, even when moving up into a new environment.

Ofsted complimented the curriculum offer at Thetford Academy and noted:

“The school has carefully designed a curriculum that supports the interests and aspirations of all pupils. Knowledge is sequenced in a way that increases pupils’ understanding progressively over time. Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They provide clear explanations.”

Thetford Academy is delighted that Ofsted have identified the robust knowledge-rich curriculum taught at the academy. All pupils learn a wide range of knowledge, not just to tackle their exams but to give context in everyday life and their world after education.

Michael Fordham, Principal at Thetford Academy said:

"Thetford Academy has gone from strength to strength since we were last inspected in 2020. It is fantastic to see Ofsted recognising our extra-curricular programme, and parents will know how much music and sport are at the heart of the school. We have had several years of strong academic results, especially in maths, sciences and languages, and more and more of our students are leaving us with good grades to begin high-quality apprenticeships or to study at university. A really big well done is due to all our students and staff.”

Ofsted complimented the personal development and said:

“The school offers impressive opportunities for pupils’ personal development. The school carefully tracks pupils’ engagement with the varied opportunities that are provided.”

The wide-reaching personal development programme in place at the academy has led to a growing number of pupils engaging in new opportunities at school. The ability to gain skills outside of the curriculum is important to create well-rounded individuals, who are proud of the community they live in.

Gareth Stevens, CEO at Inspiration Trust said:

“We are so proud of the team at Thetford Academy and their recent successful visit from Ofsted. The personal development and opportunities available to pupils at Thetford Academy, in particular music and sport, ensure pupils develop all the skills they need to grow and succeed. The hard work from leadership, governance, staff, pupils and the wider community has paid off with fantastic recognition. We are excited to see the academy to continue its success.”

Ofsted recognised an environment designed to learn and said:

“The school’s approach to managing behaviour has created a calm learning environment. Effective pastoral care ensures pupils are supported and valued. As a result, the vast majority of pupils behave well.”

“A happy school community that is at the heart of the town it serves.”