The Thetford Academy
Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LHOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Thetford Academy is a secondary school in Thetford for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 35th of 53 secondary schools in Norfolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2020.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 4 March 2020, report published 13 May 2020
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Requires improvement
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 1 April 2025
This is a happy school community that is at the heart of the town it serves. Pupils are very proud to be part of the school. They recognise the impact that it makes on their lives. The school sets high expectations for pupils' achievement. Pupils know what is expected of them in lessons and they respond well. In the sixth form, outcomes are improving. This is as a result of improvements to the curriculum and in teaching. The school sets high expectations for behaviour. Pupils listen to their teachers carefully. Low-level disruption is very rare. Pupils treat each other and their teachers with respect. Pupils feel safe and supported. They know that staff will listen to them and act if they have any concerns. 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 school organises numerous educational visits to enhance the curriculum. Pupils take on leadership positions, such as sports captains. This helps them to develop important skills such as communication and teamwork, preparing them well for their futures.
What the school should improve
- Some pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged or with SEND, are frequently absent. These pupils miss out on important learning and opportunities to benefit from the school's offer to support wider development. The school should consider what additional strategies and support pupils and their families need in order to ensure that all groups of pupils attend regularly.
- Sometimes, pupils do not access opportunities to deepen and extend their understanding of the knowledge they are learning. At times, pupils do not fully develop their understanding. The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills they need to provide pupils with tasks and opportunities to deepen their understanding.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
238 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
44 students
Average A level grade B-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,398 pupils on roll, with places for 2,050
Schools near The Thetford Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breckland School | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 42.4 |
| Culford School | 9 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 31.3 |
| Ixworth High School | 9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 44.0 |
| Wayland Academy | 10 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 52.0 |
| Iceni Secondary Academy | 11 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 39.0 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- INSPIRATION TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Miss Ina Coubrough
- Phone
- 01842754875
- Address
- Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LH
- Local authority
- Norfolk
- URN
- 136204
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.