Smithdon High School Review 2026: Coastal Education with Architectural Heritage

On the edge of the Norfolk coast where the seaside town of Hunstanton meets the rolling countryside, Smithdon High School serves as a vital educational hub for the local community. The school is famously housed in a Grade II* listed building designed by Alison and Peter Smithson, a landmark of the New Brutalist style that draws architectural students from across the country.

Under the leadership of Headteacher Mrs Amanda Gibbins, who was appointed in September 2022, the school has focused on creating a stable, ambitious environment for its approximately 560 students. As part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, Smithdon benefits from shared resources across the region while maintaining its distinct identity as the only secondary provider in the immediate Hunstanton area. The latest official assessments confirm a school that is Good in all categories, with particular praise for the calm, respectful atmosphere that defines daily life.

The physical environment of Smithdon is unlike any other school in England. The glass and steel structure, completed in 1954, was designed to be transparent and functional, and it remains a striking sight against the Norfolk sky. Inside, the atmosphere is purposeful. Students move between lessons with a sense of routine, and the open design of the buildings contributes to a feeling of shared community rather than isolated classrooms.

The school culture is built on the Smithdon Cluster values: Work Hard, Be Kind, and Smile. These are not merely decorative slogans; they are woven into the reward systems and the way staff interact with students. There is a tangible sense of coastal resilience here. Students are described as polite and helpful, and the relationship between staff and students is characterized by mutual respect.

Since joining the West Norfolk Academies Trust, the school has seen significant investment in its internal spaces. While the exterior remains a protected architectural monument, the interior has been modernised to provide 21st century learning environments, including upgraded ICT suites and refurbished science laboratories.

Academic performance at Smithdon High School reflects a solid standard for a secondary school in England. In the 2024 results cycle, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 39.9. This metric, which measures student achievement across eight key subjects, places the school in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

Smithdon ranks 2699th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 1st position among secondary providers in the immediate Hunstanton local area. The Progress 8 score of -0.41 suggests that while students are achieving respectable grades, there is a continued focus on closing the gap from their individual starting points at the end of primary school.

In the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, 14.2% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above, supported by an EBacc Average Point Score (APS) of 3.59. These figures reflect a curriculum that encourages students to pursue a broad range of academic subjects including sciences, humanities, and languages.

The curriculum at Smithdon is designed to be broad and balanced, ensuring that students have access to a wide variety of subjects before specializing for their GCSEs. In Years 7 and 8, the focus is on building strong foundations in core subjects while exploring the arts and technology.

Teachers at Smithdon are known for their subject expertise and their ability to break down complex concepts into manageable steps. Lessons are structured to include regular retrieval practice, helping students retain knowledge over time. The school uses a consistent lesson framework that provides students with a predictable and secure environment for learning.

For students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the school provides tailored support through the Learning Support Department. This includes targeted interventions for literacy and numeracy, as well as social and emotional support, ensuring that all students can access the full curriculum.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11-16 school, Smithdon places a high priority on preparing Year 11 students for their next steps. While there is no on-site sixth form, the school has strong links with local providers, particularly the College of West Anglia and Springwood Sixth Form in King's Lynn.

A dedicated careers coordinator works with students from Year 7 onwards to explore various pathways, including A levels, T levels, and apprenticeships. The school hosts an annual careers fair and provides one-to-one guidance interviews for all Year 11 students. The vast majority of leavers successfully transition into further education or training, with a notable number pursuing technical qualifications aligned with the local economy in Norfolk.

Smithdon High School is a popular choice for families in Hunstanton and the surrounding coastal villages. For the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 127 applications for its 101 available places. This represents a subscription proportion of 1.26, indicating that the school is currently operating at capacity.

Admissions are coordinated by Norfolk County Council. Priority is given to looked after children, siblings of current students, and those living within the designated catchment area. Because the school serves a relatively large geographical area of rural and coastal North Norfolk, many students travel by bus. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise location in relation to the school’s historical intake area.

The pastoral system at Smithdon is a clear strength. The school is organized into a vertical house system, which encourages interaction between students of different ages and fosters a sense of family. Each student has a form tutor who acts as their primary point of contact and monitors both their academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

The school has invested in a dedicated pastoral support team that includes non-teaching staff who are available throughout the day. This ensures that any issues, from friendship disputes to more significant mental health concerns, can be addressed promptly. The "Smithdon Way" emphasizes positive reinforcement, with students earning points for demonstrating the school's core values.

Extracurricular life at Smithdon is varied and takes advantage of the school's unique location. Sport is a major pillar of the school, with students competing in local and district fixtures in football, netball, and athletics. The school’s extensive playing fields provide ample space for both competitive matches and recreational play.

In the arts, the school is known for its annual musical productions and the Smithdon Choir, which performs at community events. Specific clubs include the Lego Robotics Club and the Eco Committee, the latter of which works on sustainability projects within the school grounds.

STEM Excellence

The school has a growing reputation for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The Formula 24 Greenpower racing team is a particular highlight, where students design, build, and race an electric car at professional tracks. This programme provides a practical application for engineering and physics concepts, fostering teamwork and problem solving skills. The science department also runs a popular Dissection Club for aspiring medical and veterinary students.

The school day at Smithdon begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm. For students arriving early, a breakfast club is available in the canteen.

Given the rural nature of the catchment, transport is a key consideration. The school is well served by dedicated school bus routes from villages such as Heacham, Snettisham, and Dersingham. For those travelling by car, there is a designated drop off area, though parents are encouraged to use sustainable transport options where possible. Hunstanton’s main bus station is within walking distance of the school gates.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. As an academy within the West Norfolk Academies Trust, it is publicly funded. Families may need to consider associated costs for school uniform, optional educational trips, and specialized music lessons. The school provides support through the Pupil Premium for eligible students to ensure they can participate fully in all school activities.

• Architectural Heritage: The Grade II* listed status of the building means the exterior cannot be altered. While the interior is modern, the glass and steel aesthetic is unique and may not suit everyone’s preference for a school environment.
• 11-16 Structure: There is no sixth form on site. Students must be prepared to travel to King's Lynn or other nearby towns for post-16 education. This transition is well supported, but it involves a significant change at age 16.
• Coastal Location: The school's position on the coast means it serves a specific, somewhat isolated community. While this fosters a strong local identity, it means students may travel further for certain regional competitions.

Smithdon High School offers a stable and ambitious education within one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the country. It is a school that has successfully balanced its heritage with the requirements of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. Best suited to local families seeking a community focused school with strong pastoral care and a growing emphasis on STEM. The main challenge for those outside the immediate area is securing a place in an increasingly oversubscribed year group.