Question 1

Is Jane Austen College a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jane Austen College was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in May 2024 across all five areas including sixth form provision. It ranks 601st overall in England for GCSE outcomes and 353rd overall for post-16 outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Sixth form students achieved 30% A*-A and 70% A*-B in the 2025 dataset. Ofsted found students make outstanding progress with progression to university, employment, and training much better than the national average.

Question 2

How does admissions work at Jane Austen College?

Accepted Answer

Year 7 entry uses fair access banding: all applicants sit a standardised non-verbal reasoning assessment (not a pass/fail test) to determine ability band placement. The school takes equal numbers from each band to ensure the intake represents all ability levels. Places are prioritised for looked-after children, those with EHCPs, children of staff, pupils from feeder schools, and then by straight-line distance. The school is non-selective and genuinely comprehensive.

Question 3

What is unique about the daily 'electives' programme?

Accepted Answer

Every student from Year 7 to Year 11 chooses a daily elective—a club, activity, or interest-based programme—built into the school day (not after-school). Recent options include Circus Skills, Creative Writing, Mythology, Dance Performance, Chess, and sports. Students choose each term and can refresh. This ensures all pupils pursue genuine enrichment alongside core academic study.

Question 4

What happens at sixth form entry?

Accepted Answer

Entry to Jane Austen College Sixth Form is selective based on GCSE results and subject-specific entry requirements (e.g., Grade 5+ in GCSE Music to study A-level Music). Not all pupils meeting Year 11 will progress to sixth form at the college. The college provides careers guidance and supports pupils in accessing alternative sixth forms or further education pathways.

Question 5

What is the partnership with Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form?

Accepted Answer

Jane Austen College specialises in English, humanities, and arts; Sir Isaac Newton specialises in science and mathematics. Students submit a single application and can choose subjects at either campus. Jane Austen students selecting science, psychology, computer science, or mathematics study at Sir Isaac Newton, accessing specialist expertise. Both are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Question 6

What facilities does the college have?

Accepted Answer

The college occupies extensively redeveloped city centre buildings with soundproofed Dance and Drama Studios (capacity 40), and dedicated Music and Drama facilities. Students access the Eileen Ash Sports Hall at The Hewett Academy site for sports lessons (opened 2018). The college is also located near University of East Anglia sports facilities. Facilities are tailored to the school's specialisms in English, humanities, and creative subjects.

Question 7

What are the GCSE and A-level results?

Accepted Answer

In the 2025 GCSE dataset, 64.2% achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 53.7; Progress 8 was +0.26. The school ranks 601st overall in England for GCSE outcomes. At A-level, 30% achieved A*-A and 70% A*-B across 302 exam entries, with a post-16 overall ranking of 353rd.

Question 8

Where is the college located and what is transport like?

Accepted Answer

The college is at 46-48 Colegate in Norwich city centre. Regular buses serve the location; the train station is a short walk away with connections to London (1 hour 50 minutes), Cambridge (under 1 hour), and King's Lynn. On-site parking is limited; paid car parks are nearby. Many pupils walk or cycle given the central location. The city centre setting brings cultural richness but limited outdoor green space compared to suburban schools.

GCSE Performance

Grade Distribution

State School Performance Measures

EBacc Subject Outcomes