The Thetford Academy
Thetford, IP24 1LH · Norfolk · secondary school
Check the area around this school
20th of 53 secondary schools in Norfolk we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.6/10 against 760 of them, against 5.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 46.6 · 55 | 30% | 1.64 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.04 · 53 | 25% | 1.33 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.9 · 44 | 10% | 0.44 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Thetford Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in May 2025. In 2024/25, 41.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 42.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.04 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in productions such as *Puss In Boots*, *Grease*, and *Comedy Of Errors*, alongside dance, choirs, bands, and orchestral ensembles.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,398 pupils against a stated capacity of 2,050. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the various music and drama groups scheduled to ensure pupils can balance these activities with their core academic studies?
What Ofsted said about The Thetford Academy
Overview
The inspection confirms that The Thetford Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. It is described as a "happy school community" where pupils are proud, feel safe, and benefit from high expectations for achievement and behaviour.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully designed" with knowledge sequenced to progressively increase understanding, supported by teachers with "strong subject knowledge".
- Behaviour is excellent, with "low-level disruption" being "very rare" and pupils treating staff and each other with respect.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is accurate and effective, including a specialist unit providing "high-quality academic and pastoral support".
- There is an "exceptional programme of enrichment activities," including music, sport, and clubs, which help develop skills for the future.
- Sixth form outcomes are improving due to curriculum enhancements, with students feeling "well supported" in their next steps.
Areas to improve
- The school must address frequent absence among disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, ensuring they attend regularly to access learning and support.
- Staff need further development to ensure all pupils, particularly those capable of more, are given tasks that allow them to "deepen and extend their understanding" of knowledge.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 38.9 |
| 2024/25 | 42.4 |
| 2025/26 | 44.9 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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