At KES, we believe that The KES Way is what sets us apart. Our school is not just a place of learning— it is the beating heart of our community. We are immensely proud of the town we serve, and in return, we strive every day to ensure that our community is proud of the young people in our care.
We hold the highest aspirations for every child. We want our pupils to leave KES not only with strong academic foundations but with the confidence, ambition, and purpose to thrive in the next phase of their lives. Whether that be further education, training, or employment. We aim to inspire them to dream big, work hard, and make a meaningful contribution to the world around them.
We are passionate about delivering a rich and purposeful character education. At the core of this is our unwavering commitment to teaching and modelling good manners and mutual respect.
We believe that how we treat one another matters deeply. By placing relationships and values at the centre of everything we do, we prepare our pupils to be kind, responsible, and active citizens, both within our school and far beyond it.
We take pride in living our
Our History
King Edward VII Academy is a wellloved school and has been a beacon of educational excellence in Norfolk since the Sixteenth Century.
King Edward VII Academy has passed through several different incarnations since its founding in 1510 by a prosperous merchant who wanted to invest in the future. When our school moved to its present site, it was entirely appropriate that it should be named after the King who opened the new buildings and always took a keen interest in our achievements.
The school’s Grammar traditions live on but are complemented with the inclusive approach of a comprehensive school. For over 500 years we have had the motto Crescat in horas doctrina “let them hourly increase in learning”. As an educational establishment, what better way to sum up the aims of a school - for all pupils to hourly increase their learning, free from interruption.
Our alumni have seen academic success at all levels. Every year we see record numbers of pupils achieve their first choice university, from Oxford to Cambridge to Exeter and
Leeds. Dr Thusin de Silva who received an MBE for his work in the department of infectious diseases, was a pupil at King Edward VII Academy for 7 years.
Every year the best performing sixth form pupil is awarded the Royal Gold Medal, a tradition that was established by the Prince of Wales in 1865. Our unique relationship with the Royal Family sees the selected scholar, accompanied by the pupils family and the Principal, attend Sandringham where he or she is presented with the Gold Medal by the monarch.
We have an amazing past with a rich history, and continue to carve a new future that celebrates the old and new. Our recent collaboration with King’s Lynn Town Football Club brings exciting new opportunities to the Sixth Form. We promote academic excellence whilst offering pathways for all pupils.
Our House System
Our unique house system is central to school life. These houses are more than names. They are symbols of identity, unity, and tradition. They are recognised and respected not only within our school but across the wider community of King’s Lynn.
Pupils are placed into a House upon arrival to King Edward VII Academy. Our four Houses are:
Lancaster School
Edinburgh York Keene Thoresby
Gloucester Windsor
Our House System celebrates our links with many notable men who contributed to King Edward VII Academy’s unique and outstanding achievements, integral to everything that we do, the values it represents and the opportunities it provides.
At the heart of KES Academy lie our House Values which are integral to academy life. Our shared values are Teamwork, Empathy, Passion, Creativity, Determination, Self Belief, Honesty and Respect and all pupils are provided with opportunities to excel in all these areas throughout their educational experience.
Our values are strengthened by the wide range of leadership opportunities we provide from Form Leaders to Prefects to Sports Captains and many more. We are fortunate
in having an extensive and ever-increasing range of clubs available from art to chess, homework club and karaoke on a Friday, all of which serve to develop our pupils’ sense of self, sense of belonging and enable them to gain character and cultural capital.
House art & design challenges have proved very popular additions with GoGo Dinosaurs enabling our pupils to create ‘Doris’ as part of the Norwich trail. House maths challenges created by older pupils get high levels of participation. New events introduced include dodgeball, handball, gaming, designing, raising money for charity events, and science experiments! Annual events totalling nearly one hundred, are the substance behind our House System. Each half term, we reward achievement, progress and excellence. The House system ensures regular contact for pupils and access to competition, across the year groups.
Pictured right: The triumphant School House in 1954.
Our Curriculum
At KES Academy we are passionate about the power of a knowledge-rich curriculum as the foundation for education.
Every pupil is also allocated to one of four Houses which pupils represent through participation in termly competitions and fundraising events.
The curriculum is ambitious for all, yet inclusive and accessible. It focuses on engaging, rigorous teaching with a high level of literacy and seeks to inspire our pupils through the delivery and mastery of powerful knowledge.
Our Houses are named after famous personalities who have made a significant positive contribution to society, culture and community, and were chosen through a whole-school vote in Summer 2021:
Subject curricula are sequenced so that knowledge is built not only hourly, but weekly, termly, and across pupils’ time at KES so that foundations are secure and pupils can apply this knowledge to any context. We value academic excellence, and our pupils are rewarded for this both within the Academy, and outside, with our highest-achieving A-Level performer having the opportunity to meet the King.
Attenborough (Green) - named after Sir David Attenborough, broadcaster and natural historian and environmental spokesperson.
Obama (Blue) - named after both Barack and Michelle Obama, former President and First Lady of the USA respectively, each being the first African-American in these roles.
Our taught curriculum is underpinned by eight House Values – Empathy, Determination, Creativity, Self-belief, Passion, Teamwork, Honesty and Respect.
This allows us to ensure that all pupils move to their chosen destination equipped to take their place in the modern world as responsible and thoughtful young people who can make a difference. We value personal excellence as equal to academic excellence, and our pupils are given a wide range of opportunities to excel, through the curriculum and our extensive enrichment offer.
Our enrichment offer includes House competitions across all disciplines, and many opportunities for educational visits both in the local area and beyond. Community is important to us, and we seek to reflect on and challenge our local context through the activities we provide in school.
Our curriculum covers a broad range of subjects at Key Stage 3, including STEM subjects and the arts alongside core subjects of English and mathematics. This allows pupils to discover their strengths and passions before choosing from a range of GCSE and vocational qualifications at Key Stages 4 and 5.
Our Subject Leaders work closely with the Inspiration Trust curriculum team to develop high-quality teaching materials that benefit our pupils at King Edward VII Academy, as well as the many pupils across the Trust.
The Academy Day
Our school week is made up of 28 taught periods of one hour, plus break and lunchtime. Each day begins with a 25-minute seminar time where key messages are shared with pupils. On Monday and Friday pupils have five sessions, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday there are six taught sessions.
We introduce career ideas and opportunities to all pupils from Years 7 to 11. Careers interviews focus on supporting pupils to independently access the platform Unifrog to track their career journey through education and support transition points. A wide range of Pupil Leadership opportunities ensures our young people can develop wider skills
“and support their community in a variety of ways from prefects to anti-bullying and we are a member of ABA and LGBT+ Norfolk. Our pupils also choose to regularly collect food donations for the local food bank and support local charities and the wider community.
KES Pupil
I feel the teachers personalise their teaching strategies depending on where you’re at with your learning, getting the best outcome for us as pupils.
KES Teacher
I have heard the school referred to as a sleeping giant in recent years. Well KES roars again. This is a school which gets under your skin and captures your heart. Pupils return to be teachers; staff go and then return; some stay for a career. I am the latter and KES is in my blood. It’s a fabulous place for staff and pupils to be the best versions of themselves.
I’m proud to work here.
Extra-Curricular Activities
King Edward VII Academy has a strong commitment to the added value of learning outside the classroom and beyond the academy’s premises. We seek to provide a broad and balanced range of learning opportunities outside the classroom for all pupils.
Each year at the academy we arrange several activities that take place off the academy site and out of academy hours, which support our aims. The range of activities to which the governing body has given its approval includes:
Regular local visits (places of worship, swimming, other local amenities)
Day visits for particular groups
Residential visits
Overseas visits
Adventure activities
We have a unique relationship with King’s Lynn Town Football Club that allows our pupils to combine studies with an outstanding coaching programme. Pupils are given the opportunity to play in the Under-19 National League.
To find out more, visit our website: www.kesacademy.org.uk/football
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, and the award requires
persistence, commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who take part. We work closely with The National Citizen Service and Camps International to enable pupils to volunteer locally and internationally.
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 organisations such as the UEA Sportspark and The Nest in order to offer our pupils 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 pupils 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.
Whilst outstanding sports provision is often overlooked within the state sector, all of us at KES 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.
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 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 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.
Ofsted recognises us as a “Good” school
Our recent Ofsted report recognises the rapid positive change that has taken place across the academy. Inspectors highlighted the dedication of the staff and leaders who have been responsible for taking the school from strength to strength, noting that ‘the sense of ambition is abundantly clear’.
The academy has been rated “Good” for ‘Quality of Education’, ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’, ‘Personal Development’ and ‘Effectiveness of Leadership and Management’. Our Sixth Form has been rated “Good” too. These outcomes reflect the hard-work and dedication of both pupils and staff at King Edward VII Academy.
Highlighting the ‘Quality of Education’, Ofsted noted that the lessons were ‘engaging and focused’, and the ambitious curriculum was accessible for a wide range of learners, allowing pupils of all abilities to learn and develop. Inspectors complimented the leadership of the school and were impressed by the influence this has on the behaviour, culture and standards in our school.
“ ”
Commenting on the leadership of the academy, Ofsted said:
Trust and school leaders set an ambitious pace for change. They build well on strengths and address weaknesses at speed. The academy committee and trustees have considerable expertise. They have supported the rapid improvement in the school. Leaders work hard to communicate with parents and the local community. Parental engagement and confidence are growing fast. Staff are invested in the school and the community. They feel well supported by leaders. They want the very best for pupils and are proud to work at the school.
One of our teachers said:
Having taught at KES for many years I can honestly say it is a special place. It isn’t just a place of learning, it’s a community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive.
Music Opportunities at KES
Every year our pupils 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 pupils 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.
SEND Support
At King Edward VII Academy we are committed to ensuring that learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are fully included in the life of the school and are able to thrive academically and socially.
If your child has an identified special educational need or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the first step is to talk to our SENCO, who can give you an overview of the kinds of reasonable adjustments and provisions which are typically made for learners with SEND at King Edward VII Academy to ensure that they can access the curriculum and enrichment opportunities.
Once your child’s place at King Edward VII Academy is confirmed, we will discuss your child’s barriers to learning with you and your child in detail. We will also talk to your child’s current school and any other professionals working with your child. Together we will draw up a plan with short-term targets
focussed on your child’s special educational needs. The plan will include provisions that reduce your child’s barriers to learning as well as strategies that your child’s teachers can use in lessons. Learning Plans, provisions and targets are reviewed on a termly basis with both you and your child and adjusted as needed to reflect their changing needs. If your child has an EHCP, the short-term targets will be linked to the EHCP outcomes.
For more detailed information about what our academy does to support learners with SEND, please read our SEND Information Report on our website.
Pastoral and Safeguarding
Every pupil matters as an individual and we ensure we identify and support each and every pupil’s needs.
Our pastoral system provides support for each child, from their form tutor to the senior leader in charge of removing barriers to learning. Academic mentoring is provided to pupils to help them to achieve their goals.
We support our pupils to be kind, work hard and take pride in formal structures that include the pupils form leaders, and prefects. Our view is that it is important that pupils
enjoy and engage in their learning - and have their views listened to.
At King Edward VII Academy we are committed to keeping our pupils safe and happy. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead ensures that effective support is provided to pupils that need it and our strong pastoral system ensures that all pupils are well known and their needs understood.
Our Uniform
We encourage our pupils to take pride in their appearance and to be proud of belonging to KES Academy, pupils are proud to represent the school by their uniform in the wider community outside of school.
We believe good standards of dress and personal presentation promote a positive attitude to work and behaviour whilst identifying pupils to the local community and future employers as proud members of a high quality educational establishment.
Our official uniform supplier is Stratfords, King’s Lynn.
Our uniform includes:
Plain grey tailored trousers in a traditional style or plain grey knee length skirt in a traditional style
Plain white shirt with a collar Navy blazer with the KES Academy logo embroidered on the breast pocket
An academy House colours tie
Plain black socks/tights
Black formal shoes; trainers, canvas shoes or shoes with sports logos are not permitted
Navy jumper with academy logo (optional)
For more information, please visit our website kesacademy.org.uk/uniform.
Preparing our Pupils for their Next Steps
We begin a pupil’s career journey in Year 7 where we help and support pupils to understand themselves, their interests, likes and dislikes, what they are good at and how this affects the choices they make.
King Edward VII Academy has an excellent record of supporting pupils’ destinations. Year on year, 100% of our pupils exiting Key Stage 5 have gone on to employment or further study. At all transition points our pupils are given support to make decisions for their future.
All pupils have access to one-to-one sessions with a Guidance Advisor to support with impartial information gathering and
applications. In addition, pupils have access to university workshops, presentations about apprenticeships and a variety of encounters with local employers, ensuring that they are well-informed and prepared for their next steps.
King Edward VII Academy Sixth Form
At King Edward VII Academy Sixth Form we understand how to get the best from our pupils and have a rich history of doing so.
We know that pupils want a balance of support and freedom, where they are guided to find their own path and ideas.
We have an excellent record of supporting our pupils to become successful and achieve excellent examination results. This combined with the excellent pastoral support pupils receive has meant that many of our pupils go on to university success.
As well as being an exceptional place to study and achieve A-Levels, we offer a
variety of extra-curricular activities, with opportunities to develop skills in problemsolving, leadership, speaking in public and confidence building. Pupils can take part in leadership courses, sports teams, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Extended Project Qualification, charitable organisations, our House system and the opportunity to go on overseas trips to America and China.
To find out more, please get in touch or visit our website kesacademy.org.uk/sixth-form
Supporting Pupils Through Every Step
At King Edward VII Academy, we aim to support our pupils in all aspects of their school life, including socially, emotionally and academically, preparing them for their next steps.
New pupils joining KES Academy in Year 7 enjoy a structured programme of transition days. During this time, parents also have the opportunity to come along to meet the pupils form tutors and staff members.
We offer an intensive support programme that includes school visits, tours of KES, and opportunities for additional transition.
The purpose of the transition period is to: Introduce pupils to their form tutors
Meet other pupils
Ask academy staff any questions
Reassure pupils and parents alike that they will be well cared for when they arrive at the academy
We aim to work with parents and carers to help our pupils flourish and develop into accomplished, cultured young adults over their time with us. Our new pupils have:
An allocated pastoral support adult
An allocated SEND key worker
Opportunities to partake in the house system at KES prior to starting in September
All new pupils will work closely with existing pupils within the academy during their transition period and into their first term.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
At KES Academy we are continually developing and improving our childcentred approach to emotional health, wellbeing and mental health. We aim to foster an ethos that promotes mutual respect, learning and successful relationships among young people and staff.
We strive to create a culture of inclusiveness and communication that ensures all young people’s concerns can be addressed to provide a safe environment which nurtures and encourages young people’s sense of self-worth and self-efficacy, reduces the threat of bullying and violence and promotes positive behaviour.
The curriculum provides young people with the information they need to make good decisions about their health and wellbeing, recognise issues in themselves and others and, when issues arise, seek support as early as possible from appropriate sources.
Through our PSHE programme and our daily seminar time, we promote positive behaviour, enable our pupils to develop empathy and British Values, understand healthy relationships and reduce disruptive behaviour and bullying. We are passionate about the role physical health has in supporting mental wellness, as part of the Rise Above project we further develop leaders to support peers.
We have a strong and vibrant Anti-bullying Team and promote inclusivity through our LGBTQ+ services and Young Carers group.
At KES Academy we aim to provide a structured school environment with clear expectations of behaviour which are regularly reset to ensure clarity, understanding and consistency. We have well-communicated social norms and routines, which are reinforced with highly consistent consequence systems which ensure support is available at all times.
Our staff bring a wide range of experience and skills, to share in planning, training and supervision. Mental Health Professionals support our team and provide guidance, training, resources and signpost support from their particular experience of working with children and young people.
Musical Aptitude
We are delighted to offer Music Aptitude places to Year 7 pupils joining us each September.
As we are passionate about music education at King Edward VII Academy and the Inspiration Trust, we allocate up to 10% of places available in Year 7 to children who demonstrate an aptitude for music at KES Academy. Children who wish to be considered for an aptitude place will sit a musical aptitude test.
Music Scholarships
Those pupils who gain admission to King Edward VII Academy via a music aptitude place become a music scholar and receive extra benefits.
We value music education and want to encourage musical young people. We know that musical opportunities are not always easy to find, so aim to create them for you. We understand that the whole school community benefits when musical people choose our school.
Music scholars receive all the benefits of being a pupil at our school, plus the following additional benefits:
2x free instrumental/vocal lessons per week (if you don’t already play the piano, one of these will probably be a piano lesson)
Your music exam fees will be paid
A piano accompanist will be provided, where appropriate
Termly masterclasses with the Inspiration Trust’s Director of Music
A nominated scholarship mentor in your school
Regular performance opportunities
Regular opportunities to attend highquality performances
To find out more and apply, visit our website.
The Admissions Process
Applying for a Year 7 place at King Edward VII Academy is straightforward and is organised through Norfolk County Council. Any pupils that wish to join us mid-year or into other year groups must apply directly to Inspiration Trust.
The process for starting Year 7 begins in the autumn of the year before pupils are due to start school, with applications closing at the end of October. Norfolk County Council then allocates places with offers sent out at the beginning of March.
More information about the admissions process and oversubscription criteria can be found on our website - kesacademy.org.uk/admissions.
Admissions Team, County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich NR1 2DL
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
