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#8 in Best Secondary Schools in Norwich
The Open Academy - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
The Open Academy
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The Open Academy
- 1.5 (2 reviews)
- Secondary
- Norwich NR7 9DL
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Ofsted report
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| The quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth-form provision | Good |
| Previous inspection grade | Inadequate |
Quick insights from ofsted Powered by AI
This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Pupils are now making steady progress through the curriculum.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour has improved over time; most pupils behave well.
Qualifications and Training: Teachers have good subject knowledge and give clear explanations.
Current Educational Practices: Staff access a wide professional development program.
Strengths and Challenges: Teachers successfully adapt learning for pupils with SEND.
Communication: Leaders keep parents informed through various channels.
Opportunities for Involvement: Pupils feel they have a voice in collective decisions.
Parent Satisfaction: Parents' views are considered through Ofsted Parent View.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders deal with bullying appropriately.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Leaders' expectations for behaviour, uniform, and attendance have raised substantially.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Where there is bullying, leaders deal with this appropriately.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Leaders ensure all concerns are followed up swiftly and appropriately.
Extracurricular Offerings: Many attend the range of extra-curricular activities and enjoy trips.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Students balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular engagements well.
Outdoor Facilities: Trips such as geography fieldwork at the coast enhance the curriculum.
Career Counselling Services: Careers education is carefully planned and well-promoted.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Leaders are ambitious for students, with varied destinations including overseas placements.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Pupils with SEND are supported effectively with adapted lessons.
Subjects Offered: The subjects available to study are not limited by the size of the sixth form.
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
The Open Academy is a Secondary, Co-Ed, Church of England school located in Norfolk, East of England.
It has 578 students from age 11-19 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 13 : 1.
At this school, 22% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
100.00% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
Type of SEN provision
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From the The Open Academy
My name is Mark Pimlott, and I serve as the Open Academy's chaplain.
I've spent my entire life in Norfolk, and I'm married to Angie, a primary school teacher.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, spending time with family and friends, and serving as a church minister. I also support Norwich City.
I am fortunate to be involved in every aspect of school life, and my roles are varied and flexible.
Roles include supporting the Christian ethos, the Academy's Core Values, which are fundamental to who we are, as well as the Education Brief, of course.
In my capacity as chaplain, I am in charge of the parts of school life that more overtly reflect the Christian ethos.
The Open Academy's mission is centred on this care, attention, and respect for oneself and others.
The Christian ideals of service, gratitude, and humility stand as a more compassionate perspective of the world and the place of young people in it in a world of merciless competition, celebrity, and greed.
The Christian ethos is something that is at the core of the Education Brief, and The Open Academy has Christian sponsors.
These create the tone and give the Academy the opportunity to advance certain principles.
further information on the principles that constitute the "Christian ethos"
There are certain surprising and admirable aspects of Christianity that are at its core, yet the Christian ethos is something that is readily misconstrued.
The necessity for Norfolk students to consider a global workforce extends beyond the county line.
Using resources like mentoring, global connections, and role models to broaden our pupils' horizons is entirely consistent with Christian teaching.
Second, a Christian ethos is centred on SERVICE.
Thirdly, a Christian ethos is centred on highlighting the GOOD.
A constant emphasis on the good should be at the core of every school.
At the Open Academy, we try to concentrate as much as we can on the good and give students chances to succeed.
A Christian ethos is about TRANSFORMATION, to finish.
So ambition, service, a positive attitude and transformation are all at the heart of a Christian ethos.
But it is important to emphasise that they are not specific to Christian schools or schools with a church affiliation.
However, a school which champions such values should be the better for it - for those of all faiths and none.
Read more
I've spent my entire life in Norfolk, and I'm married to Angie, a primary school teacher.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, spending time with family and friends, and serving as a church minister. I also support Norwich City.
I am fortunate to be involved in every aspect of school life, and my roles are varied and flexible.
Roles include supporting the Christian ethos, the Academy's Core Values, which are fundamental to who we are, as well as the Education Brief, of course.
In my capacity as chaplain, I am in charge of the parts of school life that more overtly reflect the Christian ethos.
The Open Academy's mission is centred on this care, attention, and respect for oneself and others.
The Christian ideals of service, gratitude, and humility stand as a more compassionate perspective of the world and the place of young people in it in a world of merciless competition, celebrity, and greed.
The Christian ethos is something that is at the core of the Education Brief, and The Open Academy has Christian sponsors.
These create the tone and give the Academy the opportunity to advance certain principles.
further information on the principles that constitute the "Christian ethos"
There are certain surprising and admirable aspects of Christianity that are at its core, yet the Christian ethos is something that is readily misconstrued.
The necessity for Norfolk students to consider a global workforce extends beyond the county line.
Using resources like mentoring, global connections, and role models to broaden our pupils' horizons is entirely consistent with Christian teaching.
Second, a Christian ethos is centred on SERVICE.
Thirdly, a Christian ethos is centred on highlighting the GOOD.
A constant emphasis on the good should be at the core of every school.
At the Open Academy, we try to concentrate as much as we can on the good and give students chances to succeed.
A Christian ethos is about TRANSFORMATION, to finish.
So ambition, service, a positive attitude and transformation are all at the heart of a Christian ethos.
But it is important to emphasise that they are not specific to Christian schools or schools with a church affiliation.
However, a school which champions such values should be the better for it - for those of all faiths and none.
Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| 夜来香研究所 grade |
B-
|
B-
|
B-
|
| Ofset report | Good | Good | Good |
| Age range | 11-19 | 11-18 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 13.9 | - | 17.5 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 22% | 98% | 67% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 0.00% | 35.00% | 11.00% |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.58 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 35.3 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 22% | 27.37% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 52% | 42.67% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 71% | 27.3% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 6% | 9.71% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 10% | 14.55% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.09 | 2.73 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 90% | 87.16% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 107 | 125 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 86% | 79.79% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 34% | 39.27% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 52% | 25.75% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 6.49% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 0% | 8.29% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 0% | 2.94% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 4.43% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.28 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 42 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 39% | 30.19% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 58% | 44.51% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 74% | 26.78% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 11% | 11.14% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 20% | 16.73% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.73 | 2.81 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 92.5% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 107 | 125 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 95% | 87.73% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 55% | 41.76% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 38% | 27.06% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 7.26% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 11.66% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 2.45% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 1% | 2.39% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.39 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 40.6 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 38% 1 | 28.24% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 61% 1 | 44.56% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 7% | 25.91% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 2% 7 | 9.71% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 2% 11 | 15.03% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.31 | 2.82 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 91% | 89.89% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 97 | 119 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 80% | 83.26% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 44% | 40.91% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 36% | 25.41% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 6.44% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 0% | 10.54% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 3.81% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 7% | 2.81% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.34 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 41.3 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 37% 16 | 23.92% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 60% 19 | 37.69% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 24% | 21.14% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 9% 6 | 7.8% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 13% 8 | 11.92% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.46 | 2.42 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 80.34% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 124 | 124 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 84% | 71.85% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 33% | 34.3% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 48% | 25.57% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 8.09% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 2.79% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 7% | 2.85% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 2.66% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.68 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 36.2 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 21% | 24.7% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 41% | 38.88% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 19% | 20.87% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 3% | 10.74% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 5% | 11.91% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 91% | 80.8% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 98 | 130 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | - | 57.66% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 48% | 37% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 38% | 25.1% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 7.68% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 3.8% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 7% | 5.39% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 2.34% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 16.69 | 30.69 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | D- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 16.15 | 30.35 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | D- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 0.00% | 11.98% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 32 | 219 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 44% | 48.88% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 13% | 7.48% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 35% | 28.96% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 3% | 9.84% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 27.27 | 35.18 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | C- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | - | 33.15 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | - | - | - |
| AAB or higher | - | 15.89% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 38 | 301 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 26% | 53.36% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 11% | 5.92% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 41% | 24.16% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 16% | 11.48% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 22.00 2 | 29.87 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | D+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 23.33 8 | 28.38 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | D+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 6.7% | 12.57% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 37 | 250 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 38% | 47.48% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 5% | 7.48% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 48% | 29.16% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 11% | 11.16% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 20.41 5 | 29.14 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | D | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 15.00 | 29.4 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | D- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 0.0% | 11.99% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 26 | 42.84% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 11% | 6.72% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 46% | 26.28% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 9% | 3.84% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 15.7 | 23.91 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | D- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | - | 24.77 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | - | - | - |
| AAB or higher | - | 8.85% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 1 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 4 | 51.77% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | - | 8.45% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 22% | 26.91% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 4.23% | 4.23% |
Best Schools 2025
The Open Academy Rankings
夜来香研究所 ranks nearly 20,000+ schools according to their exam results, teaching quality, resources & many more indicators. (How Do We Calculate Rankings?)
How Do We Calculate Rankings?
Our school rankings are meticulously determined through a rigorous process:
This meticulous process ensures our rankings provide accurate and meaningful insights for your school choices.
Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 25th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 6th Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 22nd Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 23rd Jul 2025 - 2nd Sep 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 4th Sep 2024 - 24th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 7th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 23rd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 22nd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
13 : 1
Student teacher ratio at The Open Academy
Local authority ratio 18 : 1