“It is a small and friendly school where my children are known and recognised by the staff.� Parent
Welcome to Thetford Grammar School Thetford Grammar School has a long historical and cultural lineage in East Anglia. Now in the 21st century we are an active and dynamic, all-through, independent day school. We care about the individual and pride ourselves on our warm community spirit where young people feel happy and valued. We provide an environment of high expectations and standards where all our pupils are encouraged to believe in themselves, be inquisitive, resilient and show ambition both within and beyond the classroom. This is the driving force of everything we do at Thetford Grammar School – a school with a long history of excellence and achievement in providing the very best. The best way to get a feel for the school is to come and visit us either on an Open Day or an individual tour. There is so much to see and plenty to talk about. The most important thing is to come and get a sense of the place, its pupils and teachers and how they feel about their lives here.
“Thetford Grammar School was my first choice, I never doubted why. Teachers give me the freedom to work and be creative whilst applying first hand knowledge and experience.� Pupil
Tradition We are one of the oldest schools in the country and have proudly educated young people since the 7th century. Our School’s journey began in 631 AD when Sigbert, the Christian King of East Anglia, established his first church and by tradition with it, a school in his capital at Thetford, on the site that we use today. Herbert Losinga, the Bishop of Thetford and later Bishop of Norwich, confirmed the status of the school in Thetford in the year 1114. The Headteachers were appointed by the Bishops of Norwich in those days. Sir Richard Fulmerston restored the school foundation in his will in 1566 and this was confirmed by an Act of Parliament in 1610 as a school for the boys of Thetford. In 1744 Tom Paine, the radical thinker, author of ‘Rights of Man’ and contributor to the development of both the American and French Revolutions, attended Thetford Grammar School. An additional School for Girls was opened in 1888 using the money from the will of Sir Joseph Williamson a former MP for Thetford. Norfolk County Council provided further funding in the twentieth century and the school reverted to independence in 1981.
Preparatory School
The Early Years Welcome to our Prep School where learning is full of surprises. We believe that learning can happen indoors and outdoors, in costume, sports kit and uniform, through personal interests and hard work, intentionally and when you least expect it. In the supportive, productive and rewarding educational environment of Prep School, children’s efforts and achievements are celebrated. Prep School consists of the Early Years varied Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 6. Pupils are taught a varied syllabus by dedicated staff. Specialist input is given in a variety of subjects including Music, Physical Education, Art, Humanities and Languages. Pupils at Thetford Grammar School are encouraged to become confident young people who are equipped to tackle the challenges that may lie ahead. A strong link between home and school is essential and open communication is highly valued in our School.
Age 3 – 11
“The lessons are fun and I like all the clubs you can go to – you get to try them all if you want to.” Pupil
Senior School
Growing Up Our curriculum is broad and balanced with a genuine focus on making learning enjoyable, rewarding and challenging. Our pupils achieve excellent examination results that consistently exceed national averages. Excellent teaching and learning is at the heart of Thetford Grammar School and we focus on supporting everyone throughout their time with us. We are particularly proud of the impressive progress our students make throughout their time at Thetford Grammar School. Students of all abilities are challenged in a safe and nurturing environment. Education is about much more than results and we aim to instil a love of learning in our pupils that will fully prepare them for the modern world. Through engaging and inspiring lessons, pupils develop confidence, the ability to communicate effectively and an appreciation of the world around them.
Age 11 – 16
“The teachers are always on hand if you ever get stuck on a problem, so you feel like help is always available.� Pupil
Independent Learning Entering Sixth Form is an exciting and liberating time as a student but the transition from structured study to independent learning can be daunting. In Cloisters, our Sixth Form Centre, you can rely on support from fellow students as well as the experience, guidance and advice of our dedicated teachers. We believe that a good education is a well-rounded one and we place huge importance not just on academic success but also on the development of skills and interests outside the classroom. Sixth Formers are encouraged to take on leadership roles as Heads of School, Prefects and House Captains. There is the opportunity for students to represent the school in civic events and engagements. Over the years we have forged strong links with local businesses, universities and voluntary groups in order to give our students the chance to equip themselves with skills that enrich not only their lives but of those around them. We are fortunate to be able to welcome guest speakers who through their own stories and experiences inspire our students to reach their full potential.
We have high expectations of all of our students and our Sixth Formers are expected to be committed and have a genuine love of learning. In return we provide a safe and supportive environment where our students face the challenges that will develop and strengthen their own abilities whether they are academic, artistic or sporting.
Sixth Form
Age 16 – 18
“The move from GCSE to A-Levels has enabled me to focus on the subjects I really like. I’ve been helped by the teaching staff who’ve been very encouraging and supportive over the choices I’ve made and they’ve also enabled me to think more clearly about universities and possible career choices.” Pupil
“Thetford Grammar School has definitely helped me grow in confidence amd has heightened my self-esteem and belief in myself overall� Pupil
Opportunity Life at Thetford Grammar School provides a richness of opportunity, the development of the individual, the fulfilling of potential and the chance for everyone to develop their talents and discover new skills. We have a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities on offer, from debating and dance to photography and film. Pupils are encouraged to start their own club if there is not a club or society that interests them. Thetford Grammar School has a strong sporting tradition providing opportunities for the full range of abilities. There are regular inter-school and inter-house competitions with Rugby, Football, Netball, Athletics and Cricket being some of our key strengths. We are a Centre of Excellence for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme where our pupils can serve others, acquire new skills, experience adventure and make new friends. There is also a range of educational and curriculum based trips which serve to complement their studies.
Creativity We offer our pupils a wide range of creative opportunities and believe that creativity in the curriculum can only serve to increase academic achievement, helping children develop imagination, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Music is central to our school and pupils of all standards are involved in making music on a regular basis each week. We believe that music plays a vital role in developing social, emotional and intellectual skills for life. All pupils are involved in music-making, whether through the curriculum, singing in the Choir, through one of the many ensembles, or through events such as the keenly fought House Music Competition. Our first class Art facilities inspire our pupils to produce some outstanding work. There is a long tradition of Art tours which has included trips both in the UK and overseas. We are proud to offer the Arts Award which inspires young people to grow their arts and leadership talents. It is a creative, valuable and accessible award that can be achieved at five levels.
We present a programme of drama productions each year, which are the perfect opportunity for creative expression. We also offer a vibrant LAMDA programme for those wishing to study speech and drama. Self-expression, involvement and personal development are at the core of our School. With a diverse and interesting range of creative opportunities, our pupils lead rewarding and purposeful lives during their time with us.
“The teachers are approachable and push you to succeed to your full potential”. Pupil
“Thetford Grammar School has provided so many opportunities including foreign exchanges, taking part in Model European Parliament debates and being awarded senior prefect roles. All of these are fantastic to have on university applications.� Pupil
Pastoral Life at Thetford Grammar School is about more than just the classroom. It is about the richness of opportunity, the development of the individual and the fulfilling of potential. Pupils are best placed to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them if they are happy, balanced and full of confidence. This is why a friendly, secure and supportive school environment plays such an important part in their development. We encourage pupils of all ages to support each other and work together. Our House system brings pupils together to compete in a variety of activities throughout the school year. There is a friendly rivalry in the form of the extremely popular inter-House competitions. Houses compete against each other in a plethora of activities including a number of sports and the much loved annual House Music and House Drama Competitions. Our school is characterised by mutual respect between all the pupils and teachers, with all expected to accept responsibility for their own actions and to behave with care and consideration towards others. The comprehensive pastoral system we have developed ensures we can make this happen.
Life Beyond Thetford Grammar School Most of our Sixth Form go on to Oxbridge, Medical School or Russell Group Universities after sitting their A Levels, either going in the September after they leave or taking a gap year first. Heading into the last two years of your school career means that you will be making major decisions for your future. At Thetford Grammar School you will be given all the help you need to get it right. We are geared to helping you get where you want to be in the future. Our academic ethos, combined with practical advice and experiences will take you far. But we never forget that having fun and being part of the community is also just as important in helping you reach your goals. We highly value our connection with our former students and celebrate the achievements and experiences of old Thetfordians wih pupils, staff and the community. We like to encourage our former pupils, staff, governors and trustees to keep in touch with the school and each other, so that everyone can take advantage of the social and professional networks that the Old Thetfodians Association can offer throughout the world.
“Being able to attend Thetford Grammar School helped me to pursue my goals. Before coming to Thetford Grammar School I had never thought about applying to Cambridge, it was the teachers at school who suggested the idea, which I then pursued. I received a vast amount of help in my university application and later in the preparation for the interview.� Pupil
Thetford Grammar School, Bridge Street, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3AF T: +44 (0) 1842 752840 www.thetfordgrammar.co.uk
Registered in England no. 10756483