Hethersett Academy scoops ‘Secondary School of the Year’ award

Hethersett Academy has been recognised for the passion, commitment and achievement of its students, staff and whole school community at an awards ceremony this week (Tuesday 1 October). 

The Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards 2024 seek to ‘showcase the dedication, innovation and engagement in the sector’.  Two of the three finalists in the ‘Secondary School of the Year’ were Inspiration Trust schools, with Hethersett securing the top spot.

Consistently performing amongst the best schools in East Anglia, Hethersett Academy has a reputation for creating an environment where all pupils are able to make progress and are supported to achieve their very best outcomes.  

Pupils don’t just thrive academically during their time at Hethersett, but work hard to become well-rounded individuals, so they leave ready for their next steps, with 98% of students progressing onto local sixth-forms and colleges. 

Opportunities including a range of enriching trips and a diverse menu of extra-curricular activities such as residentials to NASA, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Combined Cadet Force programmes and the impressive music and performing arts offer are part of the enhanced curriculum provision that makes the academy an exceptional place to learn. 

Executive Principal Jane Diver said: 

“Our philosophy is ‘excellence in all we do’ and I’m incredibly proud Hethersett Academy has been recognised in this way.  

 

Those who work and study here already know what a special environment has been created, which can only be maintained through the continued hard work and commitment of pupils, staff, parents and guardians and the whole school community.” 

This summer, pupils once again celebrated outstanding GCSE results with 85% scoring 9-4 grades in English and maths (equivalent to the former A*-C grades), with 73% achieving 9-5s and of which 36% were grades 9-7. 

Other commendations for Inspiration Trust schools were: 

• Jane Austen College: one of two runners-up in the Secondary School of the Year category
   
• Charles Darwin Primary: one of two runners-up in the Primary/Infant School of the Year category 

• Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form College: one of two runners-up in the Further or Higher Education Provider category. 

Gareth Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of Inspiration Trust, said: 

“At Inspiration Trust we’re proud to have such a dedicated and committed team of people — both in our classrooms, as well as those who work behind the scenes — to ensure our curriculum, pastoral care and facilities provide an exceptional educational experience for all our pupils. 

 

I’m delighted that four of our academies reached the finals of the EDP Education Awards, as further testament to our commitment to ensuring pupils in the region succeed and are equipped to be the next generation of leaders.”