An Inspiration Trust Academy
We care, we share, we dare to do more
Welcome
At Jane Austen College, excellence is our hallmark. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where every pupil can thrive.
We are an outstanding community school dedicated to widening the world of every single one of our pupils, both academically and culturally to ensure they achieve their absolute best.
This is reflected in our values: Be Kind, Work Hard and Take Responsibility.
Here are selected key highlights that set us apart:
Exceptional Teaching and Learning: Our dedicated team is passionate about inspiring young minds. From innovative teaching methods to personalised support, we ensure that every pupil reaches their full potential.
High Academic Standards: The college consistently achieves outstanding results in national examinations. Our rigorous curriculum inspires critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
Holistic Development: We understand that education is more than academics. Beyond academics, we focus on character development, emotional intelligence, and physical well-being.
Inclusive Community: At the college, diversity is celebrated. We foster an
inclusive environment where pupils from various backgrounds learn, collaborate, and grow together.
Strong Parent-Teacher Partnership: We believe that education is a joint effort. Regular communication with parents ensures that we work together to support each child’s progress.
Extended Day: Recognising that learning does not stop at the end of the school day, we offer enriching after-school activities. From STEM clubs to performing arts workshops, our electives program provides opportunities for growth and exploration.
Join us at Jane Austen College and be part of an extraordinary educational journey!
“Pupils
develop their knowledge and character exceptionally well. Staff have the highest expectations about what pupils should achieve. Pupils meet these expectations as they get the support they need to live up to them. This is because this is the ‘JAC Way’, where everyone is kind, hardworking and responsible
Ofsted 2024
“The consistence of these routines across the school help pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs to manage their emotions well as they know what to expect. All of this ensures that the highest standards are maintained”
Ofsted 2024
The JAC Way!
To achieve outstanding behaviour, we maintain high expectation within an environment that promotes a positive culture. We support pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour and ensure that they can learn in a calm, safe and supportive environment. We have clear routines throughout our college day.
At Jane Austen College we…
Arrive on time to lessons and enter the classroom in silence. Upon arrival, stand behind your chair and unpack quickly. Have the correct equipment and wear the correct uniform in every lesson. Sit down in silence when the teacher says to do so and start the recap whilst the teacher completes the register. Present all work neatly and accurately, following the school rules for presentation. Give the speaker your full attention. This means listening attentively on 3, 2, 1. Follow instructions the first time you are asked and remain polite and respectful at all times.
Speak so everyone can hear you by projecting your voice and speaking clearly. Engage fully with reading tasks and use your reading ruler to track the text where needed.
Pack away in silence when instructed to at the end of the lesson and stand behind your chairs ready to be dismissed row by row. Move quickly and calmly to your next lesson, walking on the left of the corridor.
Why? Because it’s the JAC Way!
What Can We Offer You?
Our college is based in an impressive historic building: Claxton House, on Colegate. An important part of Norwich’s heritage, the former shoe factory has been sensitively refurbished to house everything a modern school needs.
From science laboratories to music studios and art rooms, pupils can enjoy a superb and inspiring environment. The perfect place to be kind, work hard and take responsibility.
The ever-expanding social science department will be shortly opening new premises adjacent to the Guildhall, right in the heart of the city. The beautifully repurposed building will host classrooms, pastoral support and a sixth form study area.
Supporting Pupils Through Every Step
New pupils joining the college in Year 7 will enjoy a structured programme of transition.
The purpose of the transition period is to:
Introduce pupils to their Form Tutor
Meet other pupils
Experience a range of subjects that may differ from primary
Familiarise pupils with the building
Ask form tutors and staff any questions.
In Year 7 pupils will have:
A dedicated home room where Form Time and lessons will take place. Pupils will move for English, maths, science and PE lessons
An allocated Form Tutor, Head of Year and a non-teaching Assistant Head of Year Access to Student Services should they need pastoral support.
Pupils’ experience at Jane Austen is characterised by highly warm and positive relationships. There is always someone to talk to who will listen and help. Pupils really value the extensive range of pastoral support on offer, including for mental health
Ofsted 2024
Our Curriculum
The curriculum is at the heart of what we do at Inspiration Trust, and our work in this area is nationally recognised. We believe in the power of knowledge and have created a knowledge-rich curriculum in our schools.
With the individual conventions and histories of each subject discipline at its heart, our curriculum is inclusive, ambitious and rigorous. Giving all our pupils access to a high-quality education and the best possible opportunities is key to social justice and narrows the achievement gap for our most disadvantaged pupils.
Where pupils have special educational needs, we do not narrow our curriculum. We adapt our curriculum and teaching approaches to ensure everyone can access the curriculum and achieve success. Alongside an academic, knowledge-rich curriculum, we also offer high-quality enrichment, placing a high value on the arts, sport, and cultural pursuits.
The college is proud to have a nationally recognised knowledge-based curriculum that is structured by traditional subjects. It is properly sequenced to ensure systematic and thorough teaching for all.
The curriculum is designed with long-term learning in mind. Pupils should be able to take what they learn into adulthood and use it to provide them with the opportunities to succeed in life. Our curriculum takes pupils beyond what they already know and enables them to be more socially mobile, ensuring that they secure knowledge they wouldn’t ordinarily have access to.
At the college, more curriculum time is given to English, maths, science, humanities and languages to ensure this broad foundation. Pupils will also study philosophy, technology, art and design, music and physical education. Pupils are taught in sets based on academic ability and assessment data in English, maths and science. In Year 7 other subjects will be grouped based on their Form Group.
“The school has the highest level of academic ambition for all. An exceptionally high number of pupils enter subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate and achieve highly” Ofsted May 2024
The curriculum is balanced with a comprehensive PSHE programme, CIAG (Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance) exciting extra-curricular electives and pupil leadership opportunities.
“Pupils learn about overcoming traditional stereotypes and what it means to display a deep understanding of tolerance and respect for difference” Ofsted May 2024
We also offer the opportunity for pupils to choose a slightly longer school day to include time for supported independent study and electives. This time can instil a love of learning and scholarship, whilst electives build wider character and resilience.
Reading
Central to our curriculum is an emphasis on reading and it has been constructed with an understanding of the links between reading performance, knowledge, cultural literacy, vocabulary and writing.
Therefore, our curriculum is a deliberately sequenced, content rich journey embedded with specific vocabulary, designed to expose pupils to high quality texts which will therefore contribute to them being confident with accessing texts. Where reading presents a barrier to individual pupils accessing the curriculum, we act quickly to provide expert-led and research-informed literacy interventions.
“The school identifies the precise barriers as to why any pupils cannot read fluently. Staff support pupils to address these barriers quickly and effectively” Ofsted May 2024
Reading is fundamental as we know a strong reading ability directly correlates with a pupil’s ability to access the curriculum and achieve well. At the college we have several strategies in place to support pupils.
Pupils will:
Have regular reading tests
Have a reading book as part of their daily equipment
Use a ruler in lessons to follow along during class reading
Use Bedrock Learning to support vocabulary and grammar development
Read at home with a family member as this helps to improve their fluency and comprehension skills.
“ Reading is promoted extensively. Pupils read widely and understand why this is important.
Ofsted 2024
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Extra-Curricular Activities
Life at the college is much more than just lessons. We have high regard for the arts and experiencing the joy of sport, both individually and as part of a team.
The optional extended day allows pupils to choose ‘electives’ which enhance their timetable. These create opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills as well as supporting pupils to develop their own individual passions and interests.
Current examples of electives include:
Contemporary dance
Creative writing
Drama
Politics
STEM Club
Sports including athletics, basketball, football, netball, rugby and cricket.
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All pupils benefit from a wealth of enrichment that is built into the school day, such as choir. Almost all talents and interests are catered for by an extensive programme of ‘electives’.
Ofsted 2024
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is many things. It is a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work.
It is a recognised mark of achievement and something that is highly regarded by universities and employers. Completing the award is not an easy feat, and we are proud to say that a significant number of pupils persevere and see the challenge to the end. A young person can do their Award, regardless of ability, gender, background, or location. Achieving the award isn’t about competition or being first, it is about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Music Matters at Jane Austen College
The 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 as help build determination and patience. Plus, it is fun!
In Year 7, students participate in choir as part of their term-time programme. Our pupils are encouraged to participate in numerous trustwide music competitions including Battle of the Bands, Piano Competition, and the Annual Music Competition.
Performances
We believe that pupils at the college should have the opportunity to take part in a myriad of experiences, including our annual performance.
We collaborate with Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form and Hewett Academy to give our pupils a taste of what it is like to perform in a professional production, from the audition process, through to rehearsals and final performance.
Those who aren’t in the production cast are able to be involved in all aspects that take place behind the scenes, including building sets and scenery, managing the stage, as well as assisting with costumes, hair and make-up.
Musicians are also given the opportunity to accompany the performance as part of a talented, live orchestra of both staff and pupils.
Every year our pupils take part in our trustwide Carol Service. The Carol Service sees pupils from across our family of schools; primaries, secondaries and sixth forms join collaborating to perform a series of traditional carols, hymns and readings.
College Council
We believe strongly that our pupils’ voices should be heard and therefore we give them the opportunity to voice their opinion across a range of topics and key areas.
This provides pupils with the opportunity to develop their core skills including public speaking, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.
Our college council members are elected every year by each form group to represent the views of the class at our fortnightly meetings. We discuss pupils’ opinions on topics such as electives, lessons, uniform and much more.
Members of the Jane Austen College Leadership Team regularly attend these meetings to offer their expertise and ensure that pupils’ views have been heard and considered when decisions are being made.
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Pupils value these experiences, which help them to be highly attuned to the perspective of others
Ofsted 2024
School Trips and Visits
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Throughout the year we organise specific trips and activities which support the learning of various subjects.
This may include trips out as well as the organisation of visitors and speakers to lead activities and assemblies at the college. Such activities may include, foreign cities such as Washington and Rome, careers conferences, theatre productions, geography fieldtrips, and museum and gallery visits.
We also offer our pupils the opportunity to participate in several international trips. Again, this is to support our pupils’ learning and help them understand their subjects in greater depth.
Our House System
When pupils join the college, they will be placed in a tutor group of approximately 30 pupils with their own Form Tutor.
All pupils are allocated to one of four Houses which represent great writers who have national and local significance: Bronte, Ishiguro, Julian, and Shakespeare.
Each House comprises of pupils from Year 7 to 11 and sees pupils engage in a wide range of House-themed competitions and challenges, the biggest of which is our
highly competitive Sports Day. All House competitions are linked to House Points.
Instilling a House system drives the culture at the college and encourages pupil development through access to a wide selection of experiences. Pupils learn to work together to share ideas, build confidence as they interact and build friendships with other year groups,
Pupils also gain House Points throughout the school day for Be Kind, Work Hard and Take Responsibility.
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.
It is also proven that taking part in sport encourages higher standards of achievement, improves cognitive function and improves overall well-being through having fun and making friendships.
Secondary Olympiads
Whilst outstanding sports provision is often overlooked within the state sector, all of us at Jane Austen College believe it is a core part of what every pupil should expect from their time in education and we are proud to deliver that.
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 each and 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 literature and modern foreign languages 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.
College Day
The college day starts for all pupils promptly at 8:50am. Form Time or assembly take place daily from 8:50am to 9:20am.
Form Time is a daily session where pupils meet with their Tutor, read together, develop character through enrichment activities and engage in focused discussions. Tutors get to know their pupils well as individuals to ensure that they can provide outstanding pastoral care. Tutor time also provides opportunities for pupils to engage in PSHE and RSE.
Reading is an important part of each day at the college. Each morning time is allocated to guided reading and vocabulary instruction. Form groups read books together, these books have been specifically selected to provide opportunities to reflect on PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education), RSE (relationships and sex education) and personal development.
Pupils will attend five one-hour lessons on a Monday and Friday and six lessons on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. As a result of this, the school day ends at 3pm Monday and Friday and 4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
School Meals
School meals are provided by Caterlink. The menu is ever evolving to replicate food innovation and trends.
Wholesome healthy food is produced by our chef who works hard to create a bespoke menu which benefits our pupil’s wellbeing and ability to study.
We often host themed events and taster menus throughout the year.
The college is a cashless site and all canteen purchases require pupils to use a PIN system. Alternatively, pupils can bring a packed lunch.
Pupils have the opportunity to purchase food at break time and lunch, this also provides opportunity for pupils to relax and socialise. All pupils remain onsite for lunch and break.
Our Uniform
We expect our pupils to be proud to belong to Jane Austen College and represent the school positively, so it is important that they are smartly dressed in full college uniform.
Our standards are high and the college uniform should be worn correctly every day.
Year 7 pupils will be expected to wear:
A college branded blazer with logo
A plain white closed neck shirt
College tie
College kilt or smart, tailored black trousers
Black socks
Black, formal, polishable shoes
A red knitted V-neck sweater is optional
Our blazer, tie and kilt, as well as branded PE kit is available from Stevensons, in Norwich.
Our mandatory PE kit includes:
College branded black/red half-zip
mid-layer top
College branded red/black polo shirt
There is a choice of plain black sports bottoms:
Tracksuit bottoms
Long shorts - not cycling shorts
Skort
Sports leggings
Black sports socks
Optional PE kits:
Long-sleeved black or red base layer
Careers Programme
The careers programme aims to help pupils to understand themselves, their interests, what they are good at and how this affects their choices during their time at the college.
The programme helps to develop a plan of action for the future, offering advice on the different routes available Post-16 including training, further and higher education, apprenticeships, and employment.
We work with our pupils to support the development of important skills such as application writing, interview skills and choosing the right course for them.
Post 16 Provision and Sixth Form
Our pupils have the opportunity to pursue A-Level courses at two of the most prestigious sixth forms in Norfolk. Jane Austen College Sixth Form and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form.
Both Sixth Forms are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and pupils benefit from their unique partnership with the opportunity to explore courses at both sixth forms. Their city centre location provides easy access to transport links and a thriving social scene.
Jane Austen College Sixth Form
As one of Norfolk’s top sixth forms, pupils from Jane Austen College Sixth Form consistently achieve some of the County’s best results. As a sister school to Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, there is an option to study some subjects at both sixth formsperfect if you would like to study a mixture of STEM and humanities subjects. The school is focused on academic excellence and is committed to creating a supportive learning environment for all pupils. Pupils at Jane Austen College Sixth Form are encouraged to aim high and achieve their goals.
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is a specialist Maths and Science sixth form in the heart of Norwich. At Sir Isaac Newton there is a focus on academic excellence and high aspirations for the future. With encouragement to aim high, staff are supportive and committed to helping pupils achieve their goals. Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form has the vision to create the next generation of leaders within STEM industries. Named as one of the best sixth forms in the UK, they provide their pupils with the very best learning opportunities, so they achieve the very best possible outcomes.
“All pupils get specialised careers guidance. This ensures they are well prepared to make informed choices about their next steps”
Ofsted 2024
SEND Support
At Jane Austen College, we are aware of the needs of each individual pupil and recognise that we have a responsibility to support every pupil to achieve their potential. We aim to:
Ensure that all members of the college community support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and that SEND pupils are integrated fully into the life of the school.
Ensure that all pupils have access to highquality teaching.
Ensure that all pupils identified as having SEND have, as far as possible, equal access to all aspects of the curriculum, with modifications made to the curriculum if appropriate.
Provide appropriate scaffolding to ensure that all pupils can master knowledge. Meet the special educational needs of children with physical disabilities as far as is practicable in terms of the layout and resources of the college.
Increase the confidence of pupils with SEND, encouraging them to be involved in their own provision.
Communicate with parents about all
aspects of the special needs provision made for their children and seek to develop this partnership.
By providing a holistic college approach, we are able to deliver pupil-centred, planned provision through resources, intervention and support. As well as providing early review, identification and assessment of pupils we believe may need extra support so that they have the best opportunities to succeed.
Committing to this approach helps improve attainment and progress of pupils with SEND. We can remove barriers to learning so that pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and provisions to match their needs. Listening to the views and wishes of pupils is also considered with the effective working partnership between the college and families to reach a common goal for success.
Pastoral Care and Safeguarding
Pastoral Care is crucially important, and we work in close partnership with pupils and parents to support them throughout their time at the college.
Our pastoral team is organised by year group with each year having; a Head of Year and a non-teaching Assistant Head of Year. This is in addition to their Form Tutor. Together they will support and guide pupils through their time at the college. The Pastoral team work hard to ensure the school is a safe place, that pupils take responsibility and are kind to others. We work in close partnership with our parents and provide regular updates on pupils via the Bromcom app, My Child at School. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils.
The Admissions Process
Most pupils join the college at the start of Year 7; however, we can occasionally accept pupils mid-year into other year groups if we have capacity to do so. Applying for a place at Jane Austen College is straightforward and is organised through Norfolk County Council.
The process begins in the autumn of the year prior to when the pupil 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 pupils apply than we have places, spaces will be allocated based on our admissions policy. This can be found on our website.
We do not have a catchment area as our aspiration is to be open to any families who share our ethos.
To apply for a place at Jane Austen College, you must do two things: Complete the Norfolk County Council application, as normal Complete a “fair access banding” test.
“Fair Access Banding” is a process used in school admissions to ensure that children have a fair chance of gaining a place at a school, regardless of their academic ability or family circumstances.
Here is how it works:
Testing:
When a child applies for a place, they take a short test. Based on their performance in this test, the school allocates them to a band.
Banding:
Each band represents a percentage of the available places for that year. The child is only available for a place within the assigned band.
Equal Distribution:
The school then admits an equal number of children from each band, ensuring a comprehensive intake.
It is important to note that the fair access banding is not a pass or fail test, it is designed to promote fairness in school admissions.
Admissions Team, County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich NR1 2DL
Telephone: 0344 800 8020
Email: admissions@norfolk.gov.uk
