We know it is important to have a clear vision of what we are trying to achieve as a school and to clearly set out the expectations we have for our staff and pupils.
Our expectations are embodied in our values and we strive to live up to them every day.
At Cromer we are:
You will see our values lived out every day here at Cromer through the relationships between staff and pupils, and also between the pupils themselves.
Our Mission Statement
“We aim to offer Cromer pupils a character education where relationships and our values take centre stage. We passionately believe that our children should be afforded every opportunity to succeed. We take pride in preparing our children for life after school by living and modelling our values each and every day.
Our academically rigorous curriculum gives our pupils the powerful knowledge they need to live life to its full potential, through the development of cultural capital. Our wider enrichment programme supports our Cromer pupils to be responsible, active and respectful citizens within and beyond our beloved community.
We are justifiably proud of our community and at Cromer Academy, we seek to make the community proud of the next generation.”
At Cromer, it’s the small things that count; we hold the door open, say thank you and take care of one another. We have high expectations of all our pupils and see creating well-rounded, decent young adults as a core part of our school life.
Our Curriculum
At Cromer Academy we provide an exceptional education for all our pupils, an education that brings out the best in all of them and prepares them for success in life.
We want our pupils to leave Cromer Academy with the qualifications needed to access the next level of their education. Alongside this we develop the whole person, celebrating their talents so that all our students become well-rounded and respectful citizens.
Our curriculum is both inclusive and ambitious, with all of our students studying a broad and balanced set of subjects. The development of our pupils academically, morally, physically and socially reaches far beyond the walls of the classroom, but it is the knowledge gained between these walls which sets them on the path to the happiness and success which they deserve.
In Years 7, 8, and 9 pupils will study core subjects of English, maths and science alongside history, geography, a modern foreign language, philosophy and ethics,
art, PE, photography, computer science, performing arts, music, and PSHE (which includes RSE).
In Key Stage 4 we continue to offer our highquality curriculum, organised over two years to ensure our pupils achieve their potential and experience in-depth learning.
Our pupils will study the core GCSE subjects of English, maths and science. A majority of our students also decide to follow the English Baccalaureate, meaning that students will also study a language and a humanities subject. In addition to this, pupils will choose Options Subjects from our broad range of high-quality GCSE and BTEC courses.
Personal Development
Our Personal Development Curriculum has been designed to be taught within PSHE lessons and during Form Time.
The aim of this programme is to help our pupils gain the skills, knowledge and understanding required to lead healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active and responsible citizens.
We offer a wide range of enrichment activities and experiences within and outside of the school day. These are offered to all our pupils, giving them important experiences outside of the curriculum. These opportunities provide pupils with the chance to recognise their own worth, develop their own identity, and help them contribute fully to the life of
the school and our wider community, all while learning about respect and how to work with others.
Our programme allows pupils to reflect on their own experiences and develop their knowledge within spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues.
To find out more about what our personal development programme involves, visit our website.
Our House System
Our House System is front and centre at Cromer Academy. It embodies all that we stand for and it is the vehicle in which our culture and values are lived each and every day.
The development of a strong culture is a vital part of any school. Our House System drives the culture of the school and encourages pupil development through access to a wide range of experiences, encouraging pupils to work together to share ideas, learning from each other and staff as role models. Simply put, we are built upon ‘manners and respect’.
We have named our Houses after families and individuals who have served or continue to serve the Cromer community. They are people who have demonstrated the traits by which we expect our pupils to emulate.
We serve our great town and our pupils recognise just how important community is to our great town. We are Cromer and we are proud to be so.
At Cromer Academy, pupils participate in a House Event every year. We cover a wide array of competitions that include the arts, debate, chess, reading, sports, spelling bees, specific subjects and much more.
This all culminates with the final House Event of the year - Sports Day, which sees the House Spirit Cup being awarded to the House that shows the most team spirit through cheering, dress and attitude.
Taking Part in Trust-wide Sports Competitions
At Inspiration Trust we pride ourselves on our sports provision which not only includes a nationally-recognised sports curriculum, but includes half-termly trust-wide sports competitions.
These competitions include football, athletics, swimming and rugby, and sees us working in partnership with brilliant local organisations such as the UEA Sportspark and The Nest in order to offer our students the very best facilities in which to compete. The atmosphere at these events is always described as electric!
Through taking part in sporting competitions our students are given the chance to shine outside of the classroom and learn vital skills such as the importance of team work, determination, patience and perseverance.
Secondary Olympiads
All pupils have the opportunity to be involved in our trust-wide Olympiads. These see pupils compete in competitions within their favourite subjects, allowing them to shine in areas where they are gifted.
One of our strategic aims is to ensure every child fulfils their potential. We believe this potential is not only reached through academic success, but through wider opportunities such as competitive programmes.
Our Olympiads cover everything from maths and modern foreign languages through to geography and computer science. They help children learn about teamwork and morals, and offer a fun, alternative way to explore the subjects they love.
It is also proven that taking part in sport encourages higher standards of achievement, improves cognitive function and improves overall wellbeing through having fun and making friendships.
Whilst outstanding sports provision is often overlooked within the state sector, all of us at Cromer Academy believe it is a core part of what every pupil should expect from their time in education and we are proud to deliver that.
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Pupils have a deep understanding of the school’s values and follow these without prompting.
OFSTED, 2023
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Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities
Enrichment has changed and developed a lot at Cromer and we are always looking for new ways to deliver this vitally important part of our curriculum.
On Wednesday mornings Years 7 through to 9 have an hour and a half off timetable to access a wide variety of experiences and opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills required for them to go confidently into the next stage of their lives as well as helping them develop their individual passions and interests.
Recent enrichment activities have included: chess & strategy games, sign language, performing arts, creative writing, crocheting, golf, football, netball, cricket, martial arts, school newspaper, radio, eco-club, hockey, drone building, science club, debating, fitness and cooking, Pupils who choose to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will undertake this during enrichment.
To reinforce the importance of experiences outside of the classroom our pupils also have access to peripatetic (Visiting Music Teacher) music lessons. We actively encourage pupils to learn a musical instrument, whether it be a classical or modern instrument.
We provide lots of opportunities for pupils to perform and experience the thrill of performing in front of an audience, including within prestigious venues like St Andrew’s Hall (Norwich), Norwich Cathedral, St Peter and Paul’s Church (Cromer), and Cromer Pier and Pavillion.
Every year pupils have the opportunity to participate in our school production. Students from all year groups are invited to be involved and it is a big event in both our school’s and community’s calendar with pupils performing either on stage, in the band, or as part of backstage production. Over the years, our students have performed in everything from Back to the 80s to Matilda. We also host shows at Cromer Pier Pavillion Theatre, making use of fantastic opportunities for our students in our local area.
We are proud to offer activities partnering with local clubs in our community.
Following an exclusive partnership between the club and school, Royal Cromer Golf Club have provided sessions for our pupils and discounted rates to encourage and promote golf as an inclusive sport, making it accessible to all backgrounds.
Cromer Glide Surf School is another of our local organisations that we have been working with, being able to provide afterschool surf and standup paddleboarding (SUP) lessons. We are privileged to be able to walk pupils down the road to Cromer’s stunning seafront where lessons take place.
Located just next door to Cromer Academy is Cromer Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. Working closely with us pupils benefit from use of the professional grass courts as part of their PE lessons and coaches delivering sessions as part of our after-school extracurricular programme.
We place great value on cultural activities.
Trips and visits provide the ideal way for pupils to gain hands-on, in-depth experiences, learning something new, expanding their knowledge and their cultural horizons.
Recent trips have included a history trip to Berlin, outdoor activity trip to Wales including climbing Snowdon with professional guides, touring the historic monuments in Paris, code breaking visit to Bletchley Park, GCSE art & photography trips to London visiting a number of galleries & museums as well as local coastal wildlife & fieldwork trips and Duke of Edinburgh’s expeditions.
Proud to be an Eco-School
Eco-Schools is a charity passionate about engaging young people in environmental education and action. They do this by providing a simple, seven-step framework that guides, empowers and motivates pupils to drive change and improve environmental awareness in their school, local community and beyond.
After completing the seven-step process, schools can then apply for Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation, which recognises, rewards and celebrates the environmental achievements of young people.
As one of the very few schools to be awarded the Green Flag award with Distinction, Cromer Academy is honoured and duty-bound to promote all things ecofriendly within our community.
This is an award of monumental proportions and reflects the invaluable work of our EcoCommittee.
We see our community as our responsibility and we like to play our part in setting an example, inspiring others to do the same. After all, this is our town, our school, our community.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading achievement award for young people, aged between 14 and 24.
It aims to create a world where young people can reach their full potential whatever their circumstances. Their ethos is to enable every young person of every background to do their DofE and succeed, regardless of any barriers.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides a balanced programme of activities that develops the whole person – mind, body and soul – in an environment of social interaction and teamworking.
Taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem. The award requires persistence and commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who take part.
Any young person can do their DofE, regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving the award isn’t about competition or about being first, it is about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Music Matters at Cromer Academy
Inspiration Trust strongly believes in the power of music to enhance lives, both through the sheer pleasure of listening to and enjoying music, and through the discipline of individual and group playing and singing.
As part of our extended Arts and Culture Programme, pupils have the opportunity to take part in a variety of plays, concerts and music competitions. As part of our commitment to music education, we also offer our students a range of lessons with
our highly-skilled and experienced team of Visiting Music Teachers - these include piano, guitar, singing and drum lessons. Learning to play an instrument helps students to develop cognitive and social skills, expand language and motor skills, as well help build determination and patience. Plus, it is fun!
Our pupils are encouraged to participate in numerous trust-wide music competitions, including Battle of the Bands, Piano Competition and the Annual Music Competition.
Every year our students get to take part in our trust-wide Carol Service.
An annual tradition, the Carol Service sees pupils from all across our sister schools - primaries, secondaries and sixth forms - join forces to perform a series of traditional carols and hymns in the winter term.
Always a big calendar event, the Carol Service is a fantastic opportunity for our students and staff to showcase their brilliant musical capabilities, whether through playing instruments or singing, while getting to perform in an iconic location.
The Carol Service is a fun Christmas event that always makes for a lovely family evening.
Our Uniform School Meals
School lunches are provided by Caterlink, a high-quality school caterer, and their menu changes regularly to enhance student choice.
Details about the current menu and allergen charts are available on our website, for more information or concerns you may have please contact the school office.
“I wanted to put in writing how impressed I continue to be with our daughters’ school. Everyone is made to feel valued and welcome.
The behaviour of the students is impeccable, even when transitioning from class to class. The students all look smart. A credit to the students and the staff. In my opinion this environment will help my daughter to thrive and gain not only the best education but the skills she requires to succeed in life.
PARENT
”Facilities at Cromer Academy
State of the art fitness suite
Modern flexible computing provision
Newly refurbished changing rooms and toilets in our sports hall
A full size sports hall and dance studio
Flood-lit astroturf
Newly created outdoor spaces for students to use during break times and for teaching during lessons
An improved canteen to keep pupils fuelled for learning through the day.
The school day at Cromer starts at 8:30 am. On Monday and Friday school finishes at 2:40 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday school finishes at 3:40 pm.
The day consists of six lessons per day with a morning break and lunch break.
We encourage our pupils to take pride in their appearance and we expect all of our pupils to wear full uniform throughout the school day, including on their way to and from the academy.
You can order your uniform from our supplier, Stevensons, on their website or at the store. Our uniform includes:
Charcoal grey Academy trousers or pleated academy skirt
Tailored grey shorts are an acceptable alternative to trousers or skirts
White plain cotton long-sleeved or shortsleeved shirt
Navy blue Academy jumper with pale blue stripe at neck (optional) - Branded Item
Charcoal grey Academy blazer with logo on breast pocket (this must be worn at all times around the school, except at the teacher’s discretion in the classroomBranded Item)
Blue striped academy tie - Branded Item
Coats of a traditional style and hats/ scarves can be worn to and from school House badge that is provided to each pupil (Blogg, Davies, Sadler, Shipp)
Plain grey/black ankle socks or opaque black/natural tights
Black formal leather or leather-look shoes with a low heel (no logos) - no plimsolls or trainers.
SEND Support
We aim to include students with a variety of needs in all areas of school activity, helping them to maximise their achievements. Through our SEND department, students with additional needs receive intervention and support to ensure they are able to achieve to the highest of their ability.
In our academy, we value the presence of every child, irrespective of need. We are sensitive and proactive about devising ways in which a child with any disability can undertake virtually all, if not all, of the same activities and curriculum as other children.
Improvements to the school site and buildings have incorporated provision for disability in adults and children. A copy of our accessibility plan is available on request.
We use a range of methods to identify and support students who are able and talented, including specialised education provision in the classroom through evidence-based teaching methodologies. Students are encouraged to attend specialist clubs and activities to further develop their potential.
Most students’ needs are met by the teacher in the lesson. All staff have received some training in special needs provision, and many have attended courses related to teaching their own subject to special needs students. In addition, some staff are trained to administer diagnostic tests and reading, spelling and handwriting programmes.
Where possible, students with learning difficulties are in smaller classes and may have access to additional in-class support.
This support is not usually targeted at one student, but it does enable extra help to be given to all students in the class by the teacher and teaching assistant.
Students are encouraged and helped to access as much of our curriculum as possible and to increase their independent learning. Some students will be withdrawn from lessons for 1:1 or small group sessions. Computerised and non-computerised learning programmes are also available to support students with needs.
Progress is regularly assessed, monitored and reported on to parents through Pupil Passports. Each student on the SEN Register will have an individual passport that outlines their needs and the support they will receive in lessons. This will be reviewed termly and shared with all staff to ensure there is awareness of any needs and the successful strategies in place to support.
Parents are encouraged to work with the school to develop their child’s Pupil Passport and they will receive a copy of their child’s completed passport at least once a year for their own records.
Our Specialist Resource Base
Cromer Academy is also home to a Key Stage 3 and 4 Autism Specialist Resource Base (SRB) as part of Norfolk’s Local Offer for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). SRB places are allocated by the local authority.
Our SRB pupils are supported through flexible timetabling and curriculum adaptation that is tailored to the individual, enabling them to attend up to 100% of their mainstream lessons.
Staff are trained and available to provide social and emotional support as needed. Not just a designated teaching space, our SRB is also a place of sanctuary during unstructured times and pupils can access it at any other time that additional support is necessary.
“If you are a parent interested in SRB provision for your child, please speak to the SENDCo at your child’s current school to ask them to contact the SRB Lead Teacher here at Cromer Academy, either by phone or email. Parents should then arrange to visit our Specialist Resource Base and to meet with the Lead Teacher, which can be done by contacting the main school office.
The culture of Cromer Academy is rooted in the heritage of the town it serves. It is a focal point where the achievements of the community converge and are celebrated. This culture means that pupils who attend the school understand and take great pride in their community.
Leaders actively engage with staff and support their well-being. As a result, staff feel cared for and respected. They are highly motivated and proud to work at the school.
OFSTED, 2023
Post 16 Provision and Sixth Form
As part of the Inspiration Trust, our pupils are lucky enough to have the opportunity to pursue A-Level courses at two of the most prestigious sixth forms in Norfolk - our sister schools, Jane Austen College Sixth Form and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form.
Jane Austen College Sixth Form
Jane Austen College Sixth Form has been established in recent years as one of Norfolk’s top sixth forms, with students consistently achieving some of the county’s leading results. The Sixth Form specialises in English, humanities and the arts, with students benefiting from outstanding expertise and facilities.
Offering excellent teaching and academic support, students also have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of societies and electives. The college is a vibrant, diverse, and social community, whether you choose to join the debating society or choir, or get involved with sports clubs or drama productions, students are able to develop their passions.
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is one of the UK’s best sixth forms, specialising in science and mathematics provision. Rated Ofsted Outstanding, the A-Level provider has an academic focus inspiring the next generation of leaders in STEM industries.
At Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form pupils learn from experts in their field and benefit from state-of-the-art facilities. Students receive the very best learning opportunities to achieve the very best outcomes. Bespoke support is provided to every pupil, helping them to develop into a scholar and a wellrounded, happy young adult.
The Admissions Process
Most students join us at the start of Year 7, however we do accept students mid-year or into other year groups when we have capacity to do so. Applying for a place at Cromer Academy is straightforward and as with all secondary schools in Norfolk is organised through Norfolk County Council.
The process tends to begin in the autumn of the year prior to when the student wishes to start with applications closing at the end of October. Norfolk County Council then allocates places with offers sent out at the beginning of March. Should more students apply than we have places, spaces will be allocated based on our admissions policy which can be found on our website - cromeracademy.org/admissions
Admissions Team, County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich NR1 2DL
Both Sir Isaac Newton’s and Jane Austen College’s sixth form courses are rated Outstanding by Ofsted with students benefiting from their unique partnerships that provides the opportunity to explore courses at both destinations.
Their Norwich city centre locations provide easy transport links and a thriving social environment. Their iconic and extensively redeveloped buildings are tailored to their specialisms.
Telephone: 0344 800 8020
Email: admissions@norfolk.gov.uk
` We are part of Inspiration Trust, twice ranked the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress
