Iceni Academy
The Iceni Academy (formerly Hockwold and Methwold Community School) is a mixed, all-through school located over two sites in Norfolk, England.
| Iceni Academy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
| |
Stoke Road Methwold , , IP26 4PE England | |
| Coordinates | 52.5272°N 0.5564°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Academy |
| Motto | fortitudine floreo |
| Established | 1957 |
| Trust | Academy Transformation Trust |
| Department for Education URN | 139058 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Chair of Governors | Robert Muir |
| Principal (Secondary) | Lesley Hogg |
| Principal (Primary) | Emma Owner |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 4 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 683 |
| Capacity | 885 |
| Website | www |
History
The school was first formed as Hockwold and Methwold Community School in September 2011 from the merger of Hockwold Primary School and Methwold High School.[1] Methwold High School was built in 1957 and officially opened on 28 April 1958 by Col. Sir Bartle Edwards. Records suggest that in 1939 children who did not pass the exam to go to Downham Market Grammar School stayed at the Primary School (as it was then) until they were 14 years old.
Hockwold and Methwold Community School was awarded academy status and renamed Iceni Academy in January 2013.
Today the school, which celebrated its 60th birthday in 2018,[2] continues to operate over the original Hockwold and Methwold sites accommodating the primary and secondary departments respectively.
The Academy received its first-ever "Good" rating in July 2016[3] and is now growing at a rate of over 10% per year. In 2018 the Academy was recognised for its work to bring the world into the classroom with an award from the British Council.[4]
Location
The Hockwold and Methwold sites are six miles apart and accommodate the primary and secondary departments respectively.
In all, the school serves the largest rural catchment in Norfolk, and each department is smaller than average for that category of school.[5]
Partnerships
Thetford Grammar School
The Academy has a connection with the privately funded, Thetford Grammar School whereby at least one student per academic year is offered a funded scholarship to study for A-levels for two years. This is funded, in part, via the Banham Scholarship. In September 2019 three students joined Thetford Grammar School on scholarships from Iceni Academy. In September 2020 two additional students joined Thetford Grammar School on scholarships from Iceni Academy.
Norwich School
Via a partnership with Norwich School[6] Iceni Academy offers students Mandarin lessons, focusing on the culture of China as well as the language, to all Key Stage 3 students. There was also a lunchtime Mandarin club for staff and students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extra-curricular activities
As part of the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP500) Iceni Academy was approved to set up a Combined Cadet Force which is affiliated with the British Army. They started parading in September 2019 with an initial group of 30 cadets.
Principals
- Prior to 2010 - Ken Earl
- September 2010 – August 2013 - Denise Walker
- September 2013 – December 2017 - Gee Cook
Hockwold (Primary site)[7]
- January 2018 – present - Emma Owner
Methwold (Secondary site)[7]
- January 2018 – August 2020 - Stephen Plume
- September 2020 – present - Lesley Hogg
Senior leadership team
As of February 2021:
- Duncan Carmichael - Vice Principal
- Amy Staniforth - Assistant Principal
- Sarah Turner - Assistant Principal
- Adam Carter - Assistant Principal
Notable alumni
References
- "Ofsted puts Hockwold and Methwold School under special measures". BBC News. 2 March 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- Chris Bishop (5 September 2018). "Open evening will celebrate 60th anniversary for Iceni Academy in Methwold". Eastern Daily Press.
- Bethany Whymark (20 September 2016). "Iceni Academy achieves its first "good" rating from Ofsted". Eastern Daily Press.
- Rebecca Murphy (13 February 2018). "Iceni Academy, Methwold, recognised with British Council award for its international education". Thetford and Brandon Times.
- "Ofsted Report 2020". Ofsted. March 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- "School partnership offers new language to students in West Norfolk". Lynn News. 14 September 2018.
- Lauren Cope (15 January 2018). "All-through Norfolk academy starts year with two new principals". Eastern Daily Press.