Fakenham Academy Review 2026: A School Finding Its Footing

A century ago, these grounds housed an all-boys secondary school set in a Georgian listed building. Today, Fakenham Academy has evolved into a mixed comprehensive serving Norfolk's north coast, where improvement is tangible and the school is actively reshaping itself. The 2024 Ofsted inspection maintained the school's Good rating, recognising clear expectations for teaching and a school ethos that continues to strengthen. With around 750 students across eleven to eighteen, it remains locally rooted with genuine ambition to enhance outcomes and opportunities for all.

Fakenham Academy occupies a position of institutional transition. Having moved its sixth form from the historic Wells Road site (a Grade II-listed Georgian villa built in 1823) to the main Field Lane campus in recent years, the school is consolidating and investing in what it describes as state-of-the-art facilities. The physical spaces include a dedicated drama studio, large main hall, gymnasium, and playing field, all used by the school and local community.

The atmosphere is characterised by care and structure. Staff clearly know students; behaviour is managed through a system of badges (gold, silver, bronze) and recognition of achievement through trips and prizes. Inspectors noted strong behaviour and high-quality teaching as defining strengths. The school's three core values — Kind, Ambition, and Determination — appear genuinely embedded; students report that staff take time to understand individual needs and adjust lessons accordingly. The notably welcoming environment means new students integrate quickly.

Under Headteacher Gavin Green's leadership (appointed post-2019), the school has benefited from support through its multi-academy trust, Sapientia Education Trust. Parents consistently describe transformative experiences, with several noting that their sons and daughters were "flourishing" after arriving from previous schools.

GCSE Performance

Fakenham Academy ranks 3073rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom 40% of schools nationally. The Attainment 8 score of 38.4 sits below the England average of 44.2. Only 23% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics, compared to the England average of 60%.

Progress 8 scores of -0.12 indicate students make slightly less progress than peers nationally between Key Stage 2 and GCSE. Approximately 9% entered English Baccalaureate subjects, compared to a national average of 41%, reflecting limited take-up of the combined sciences and languages pathway.

The picture is one of steady consolidation rather than transformation. What these figures mask is improvement within the school itself. Inspectors confirmed the school has "made effective action to uphold the standards highlighted during its previous inspection," suggesting that GCSE outcomes are stabilising despite demographic and socio-economic challenges.

A-Level Performance

Sixth form results show modest strength relative to the GCSE cohort. In 2024, approximately 41% of A-level grades were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The school ranks 1502nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of schools nationally. This represents a stronger position than GCSE, suggesting the sixth form attracts motivated students and provides effective support for those transitioning to post-16 study.

Approximately 41% of the 2023-24 cohort progressed to university, while 34% entered employment and 15% began apprenticeships, indicating diverse pathways and strong engagement with work-based learning.

In the 2023-24 cohort, one student secured a place at Cambridge, representing limited but not negligible Oxbridge progression. Beyond this, the school publishes little granular data on Russell Group or specific university destinations. Parents should expect the majority of leavers to attend regional universities, with a significant minority entering skilled employment or apprenticeships immediately after Year 11 or Year 13.

The curriculum is structured, broad, and increasingly ambitious. In Key Stage 3, students are taught in mixed-ability bands across most subjects, with ability grouping in Mathematics and support structures in English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities. By Key Stage 4, students are grouped by ability in Mathematics and science, and mixed-ability in option subjects, ensuring both differentiation and access.

The school has invested in curriculum redevelopment with support from Sapientia Education Trust. This has resulted in an expanded offering of English Baccalaureate subjects, particularly increased language teaching, positioning students more strongly for competitive university applications. All students pursue English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Triple Science (or Combined Science), and Learning for Life, with four option choices available.

Teaching itself is characterised by high expectations and clear structures. The school operates a "Take 5" intervention system designed to identify students needing additional support quickly, enabling staff to adjust provision mid-term. This proactive approach has contributed to improved academic performance among vulnerable learners.

Drama and Performance

Fakenham Academy has developed a particularly vibrant drama programme. Annual winter pantomimes, held on the school's main stage, engage students across multiple year groups. Recent productions have included Beauty and the Beast, which involved cast sizes spanning Year 7 through Year 11. Students describe the experience as genuinely transformative, building confidence and providing a voice beyond the classroom. The Drama Club meets regularly and is actively promoted during Year 7 induction.

A dedicated drama studio provides rehearsal and performance space. A-level Drama and Theatre Studies is offered, with assessments involving devised pieces, scripted performances, and practical work influenced by chosen theatre practitioners.

Music

The Winter Concert is a signature annual event, held in December, to which families are invited. The school offers GCSE and A-level Music, alongside general music provision in Key Stage 3. Instrumental music lessons are available for students showing aptitude. Given the winter concert schedule, the music programme runs actively throughout the year.

Sports and Physical Education

Physical Education is compulsory across all key stages. The school offers GCSE and BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Sport, providing both academic and vocational pathways. Facilities include a gymnasium and playing field for traditional sports. The school is positioned near local sports facilities, including Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre (approximately 190 metres away), which provides extended access to gym, swimming, and group fitness classes for students who wish to extend their training.

STEM and Technology

Computer Science is offered as a GCSE and appears in the A-level suite. Design and Technology is available at GCSE in both Product Design and Textiles variants. Beyond traditional subjects, the school offers BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information and BTEC qualifications in Business, positioning students for digital careers and higher education study in technology-related fields.

Arts and Creative Subjects

Art GCSE is compulsory as a Key Stage 4 option, with an A-level offering available. Film Studies GCSE provides alternative creative pathways, alongside Philosophy and Ethics GCSE. This breadth reflects the school's commitment to offering creative subject choices beyond traditional academic pathways.

Leadership and Pastoral Opportunities

Students have explicit opportunities to develop leadership through School Council membership, Sixth Form Council representation, and prefect roles. These positions come with recognition and contribute to the school's culture of student voice. Such roles are particularly valued by sixth formers and younger pupils keen to contribute to school life.

Trips and Enrichment

The school emphasises personal development through quality experiences within the local community and further afield. Trips and visits complement classroom learning and reward achievement, contributing to the school's philosophy that education extends beyond academic qualifications. Subject-specific visits and residential trips are offered, though specific examples were not detailed on publicly available sources.

Entry to Year 7 is non-selective and coordinate through Norfolk Local Authority. The school is oversubscribed, with admission criteria prioritising looked-after children, those with EHCPs, children living within the catchment area, siblings of current students, and then distance from the school gates measured in a straight line.

Sixth form entry requires demonstration of readiness for post-16 study, with guidance around minimum GCSE grades for A-level courses. The school offers both A-levels and BTECs, providing academic and vocational progression routes. Entry at Year 12 is available for external candidates meeting entry criteria.

The school operates as a state academy, with no tuition fees. The school day typically runs from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm (specific times should be confirmed with the school directly). Uniform is required. Before and after-school provision or breakfast clubs should be confirmed with the school, as specific wraparound care details are not published online; parents should contact the school directly for current arrangements.

Transport links are straightforward, with the school located on Field Lane in Fakenham. The nearest substantial sports centre is approximately 190 metres away. Parking is available on site.

Safeguarding and pastoral structures have been strengthened and are monitored consistently. The school operates a caring culture where staff relationships with students are prioritised. Speech and language therapy and LEGO/block therapy are available for students with identified needs. The TITAN Travel Training programme supports students with independence skills.

Ofsted noted that the school "makes sure its pupils are well behaved" and confirmed effective safeguarding arrangements. Nearly half of parents responding to Ofsted Parent View "strongly agree" that their child feels safe at school, with a further 40% in agreement, suggesting strong pastoral foundations despite the challenges faced by some.

The sixth form operates on the same site as the main school, following the relocation from Wells Road. Approximately 200 students pursue A-levels and BTECs across Years 12 and 13. The curriculum offers a balance of academic and vocational routes, aligning with students' post-18 aspirations. Staff are attentive to student needs and provide appropriate academic support and careers guidance.

Selective progression into sixth form: Entry to sixth form requires GCSE performance at or above a certain level for A-level study. Students not meeting entry criteria are directed toward BTEC and vocational routes or may pursue education elsewhere. This is standard practice but worth clarifying directly with the school.

GCSE outcomes below national average: The school's position in the bottom 40% nationally reflects a cohort with particular needs and contexts. Families seeking schools with stronger examination outcomes should consider neighbouring comprehensives in Dereham or Wells-next-the-Sea. That said, value-added measures and staff feedback suggest effective teaching within these constraints.

Limited Oxbridge progression: With only one Cambridge place in recent years, families with Oxbridge ambitions should manage expectations. However, the school is developing curriculum strength and A-level results are relatively stronger, suggesting emerging opportunities.

Fakenham Academy is a school on an upward trajectory following a period of significant change. The Ofsted Good rating, maintained consistently, reflects genuine strengths in teaching, behaviour, and pastoral care. The school offers a genuinely caring environment where staff know students individually and adapt support accordingly. Beyond the classroom, arts opportunities are particularly strong, with drama and music providing meaningful enrichment. Results remain below national average, which is honest to state; however, progress measures suggest effective teaching within challenging circumstances.

Best suited to families within the catchment area or those seeking a school that prioritises pastoral care, behaviour management, and personal development alongside academics. The school suits students who thrive in a supportive, structured environment where effort and character are visibly rewarded. Those prioritising highest examination outcomes should consider alternatives, though for many families, the balance of caring culture and improving standards makes Fakenham Academy a solid local choice.