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
every day. Through our actions, we help shape young people who are not only academically
and
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 students to hourly increase their learning, free from interruption.
Our alumni have seen academic success at all levels. Every year we see record numbers of students 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 student at King Edward VII Academy for 7 years.
Every year the best performing sixth form student 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 students family and the Principal, attend Sandringham where he or she is presented with the Gold Medal by the Sovereign.
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 Football Club brings exciting new opportunities to the Sixth Form. We promote academic excellence but offers pathways for all students.
Our House System
Our House system is engrained in our history, and is a major part of our schools ethos, linking closely to all aspects of life as a student at King Edward VII Academy.
Students 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 students 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 students’ 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 in 2020 enabling our students to create ‘Doris’ as part of the Norwich trail. House maths challenges get high levels of participation and are created by older students. New events introduced include dodgeball, handball, gaming, designing, raising money for charity, and science experiments! Annual events totalling nearly one hundred, are the substance behind our House System belief of “giving all students the opportunity to have a moment”. 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.
Ofsted recognises us as a “Good” Sixth Form
Ofsted inspected King Edward VII Academy in October 2024, and part of this inspection involved forming a judgement on our sixth form provision. We are proud to say we are a “Good” sixth form, reflecting our dedication to providing the best possible education for students looking to study Post-16.
The students in our sixth form “are taught how to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”, Ofsted commented, and they leave our sixth form, “well-prepared for life in modern Britain”.
We are proud of the leadership that we instil into our sixth formers, with many taking on leadership roles around school, including in our House competitions and with academic support, “They help pupils in the lower school with their reading.”
“ ”Students in the sixth form achieve the grades they need to follow their chosen pathways.
OFSTED 2024
Ofsted recognises us as “Good” in all areas
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’. The school and our sixth form being rated “Good” reflects 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.
Part of the Inspiration Trust Family
We’re part of the Inspiration Trust family of schools – we share a belief that every child deserves an excellent education. Through collaboration, support and innovation the Trust and its schools strive to give every child the best start in life.
Their team of curriculum specialists lead the constant improvement of our curriculum. Our teachers are ambassadors for – and our children benefit fromsome of the most innovative developments in education.
Gold Medal Winners
Each year, an exceptional student from King Edward VII Academy is selected for the prestigious Gold Medal Award received from the King in an in-person awards ceremony. Pictured below are our two most recent winners, Alex and Alina, who excelled during their time at KES.
“I am thrilled with my results and am very grateful for my teachers who made it possible with their support.”
“I had the immense privilege of being taught and mentored by genuinely nice and truly remarkable teachers” Alina
Alex Lu
Ahsan
Sixth Form Life
The Sixth Form Day
The typical sixth form day runs from 8.20am to 3.35pm and includes six one-hour lessons, form time, lunch and a break.
Students will receive a timetable on enrolment. Students are expected to study independently for each subject, which will include completing work that is set, revising from your notes, or doing further reading. For each subject, you can expect to do up to five hours of independent study a week, although this will vary depending on the course.
At KES Sixth Form, there are several areas for quiet study. Timetabled study sessions are allocated to your timetable for the week, after which you are welcome to leave site to revise at home.
Our cafeteria offers freshly made hot and cold options for lunches, including sandwiches, pasta and pizza. Alternatively, our school is within close proximity to several supermarkets, and the town centre offering an extensive range of restaurants and cafes to meet with peers outside of class hours.
Non-Uniform
It is important to maintain high standards of personal appearance; the Sixth Form is a place of study and the smart casual dress code reflects that.
Students taking part in the Sport and Physical Activity course should wear either KESA or KLTFC branded tops and may wear appropriate tracksuit bottoms or shorts. Please visit our website for more information.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Enrichment
We are proud of the wide variety of opportunities on offer at our sixth form. We strive to develop students’ character by encouraging them to buy in to a culture where sixth formers take the lead in the lower school and wider community.
In taking the many extra-curricular opportunities on offer, students not only make a positive contribution to their school, but leave us with excellent A-Level grades having developed the key transferable skills crucial to their future success. These opportunities include:
Reader Leaders
Paired reading with students from Years 7-9
Learning Leaders
Supporting the teaching of classes at Key Stage 3 and 4
Year 11 Mentoring
Supporting individual students in Year 11
Charitable Organisations
Sixth form students meet regularly to organise fundraising events for a variety of charities
Prefects
A prestigious role, prefects are seen as role models to the younger years, are the face of and representatives of the Sixth Form, and are known for their role amongst students, staff and the community
Sports Teams
Our extremely successful P.E. department run a wide range of sport teams
We also work in conjunction with a variety of external support providers including the Norfolk Higher Aspiration Scheme and Unifrog, to provide extensive varied and bespoke enrichment activities.
Furthermore, our sixth form encourages students who are fluent in additional languages to sit related A-Level examinations in order to gain credit for their skills.
Maths and English GCSE resits are available and mentored on a weekly basis. The science department support their students with additional maths for science sessions. The Year 12 and 13 students often work with the main school as Subject or Wellbeing Mentors, Reader Leaders and Sport Leaders. Furthermore, students are supported in completing further maths and the extended project qualification, on top of their main A-Level subjects.
Students coordinate their own social and charity events including the Year 13 Leavers Prom.
This extensive but not exhaustive list provide some examples of the additional activities available to all students to make their own unique contribution to the KES Academy and wider Kings Lynn communities.
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.
Extended Project Qualification
The EPQ is taken in addition to your A-Level subjects. Students can explore a topic of their choice in depth, fostering independent research, critical thinking, and project management abilities. The project can take the form of a 5000-word essay, the title is chosen by you. Alternatively, you can create a performance, event, or artefact. The EPQ can enhance university applications by showcasing a student’s ability to undertake sustained, self-directed work and is worth half an A Level in UCAS points.
” “
The biggest benefit for me was practice for university. I feel a lot more confident going into uni having written a 5000 word essay in an academic style AND based on my own research and ideas. For some people, an EPQ can also help you get into uni in the first place as not only does it look great on your personal statement, but some courses offer lower grade requirements
A-Level student via UCAS
Our Courses
The decision of which courses to take at sixth form, is a very important one, both when it comes to the courses themselves and your career aspirations.
You need to consider the subjects that are essential for some career destinations such as medicine, as well as consider those subjects you enjoy and know you will do well in.
Most students will study three courses, but it is possible to choose a fourth subject where this is appropriate for the student. Please visit our website for detailed subject information.
The following courses are available at KES Academy Sixth Form as Level 3 qualifications:
Art
You will enjoy developing your understanding of the visual world, learning practical skills and responding to ideas and issues in ways that are personal to you. Art is about looking, learning, thinking and communicating ideas in reference to contextual studies. It offers you the chance to use your creativity and express yourself in a personal way.
Biology
In this course, you will develop practical skills and knowledge of biological principles, and gain an understanding of how all life is connected. Independent research is required, and it is strongly advised to study alongside another science subject.
Business
Studying AQA A-Level Business equips students with a deep understanding of how businesses operate in a dynamic and competitive environment. The course covers a wide range of relevant topics— from marketing and finance to human resources and operations—giving students a comprehensive insight into the real-world challenges faced by businesses today. Whether aiming for a career in business, entrepreneurship, or further study, this qualification provides a solid foundation for future success.
Chemistry
This course will cover six modules, each divided into key topics;
• Development of practical skills in chemistry
• Foundations in chemistry
• The periodic table and energy
• Core organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry and transition elements
• Organic chemistry and analysis
Computer Science
If you enjoy problem solving and programming then you will certainly enjoy this course.
The focus of much of the work you will do is on computational thinking; tackling complex problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts in order to develop efficient solutions. There is also a significant amount of mathematical content in the course so if you enjoy mathematical problems this course will suit you. Computer science also allows you to demonstrate
your creativity; the development of problem solving and programming skills will allow you to create and program solutions in a variety of ways.
Criminology
This qualification looks at the types of crime that take place within our society. How do we decide which behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why some people commit crime and how can we use different theories of criminality to explain this behaviour?
You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society.
Economics
Studying AQA A-Level Economics provides students with a powerful framework for understanding how the world works. The course explores key concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, inflation, unemployment, and international trade. Economics is highly valued by universities and employers, making it an excellent choice for those interested in careers in finance, politics, business, or international relations.
We are always happy to talk through subject choices with you and offer further guidance and advice, so please do get in touch if you need help selecting courses.
English Language & Literature
This course is for anyone who loves stories. You will explore a variety of texts whilst discovering how language and literature has been used to challenge social, historical and political stances.
Geography
Our geography course is inherently multidisciplinary in a world that increasingly values people who have the skills needed to work across the physical and social sciences.
As part of this course, there are great trips on offer including Iceland, the East England coastline and local rivers and environs.
Health & Social Care
During the course you will learn about values of care in relation to physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects of health and social care. Individual units will include:
• Person-centred approach to care
• Principles of health and social care
• Supporting people with mental health conditions
• Anatomy and physiology for health and social care
These units will develop your understanding of the application of psychology, biological sciences, health and social care practice and provision and equality and diversity legislation used in the services.
History
If you have a passion for history and enjoyed studying the subject at GCSE, or want to have an understanding of how the world has been shaped, then this is the subject for you.
History at A-Level is exciting and challenging, as you will enjoy debating with your peers and with your teachers about a variety of historical topics, analysing information to make judgements and learning about key characters and events from the past that still resonate today.
Mathematics
Studying A-Level mathematics will increase your knowledge and understanding of a variety of mathematical techniques and their applications. It will develop key employability skills such as logical reasoning, problem solving, communication and resilience, and it provides excellent support for the study of other A-Level subjects and preparation for a wide range of university courses.
Further Mathematics
Further Mathematics offers an exciting and rigorous extension to A-Level Mathematics, ideal for students with a passion for problemsolving and abstract thinking. The course includes Core Pure 1 and 2, where students
explore advanced topics such as complex numbers, matrices, and polar coordinates. It also features Decision 1, introducing algorithms and networks, and Further Pure 1, which deepens understanding of mathematical structures—providing excellent preparation for university study in mathematics, engineering, or related fields.
Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish/French)
This course covers topics similar to those learnt at GCSE and KS3 but in more depth and linked to current social issues in the target language countries. Grammar and translation skills will be taught within lessons as well as speaking skills.
Image above by photography student, Ami Goodley
I can’t stress enough how good the environment at KES Academy
Sixth Form is - I would wholeheartedly recommend coming here.
Matthew, KES Alumnistudied Theology and Religion at Oxford University
Photography
Photography is about looking, learning, thinking and communicating ideas. It inspires creative thinkers.
Photographers explore a wide range of techniques to create images that make a personal statement about things that have interested or concerned them. The most exciting aspect of photography is that you are capturing the world as you see it. This course will help you to develop your creativity, learn to express yourself visually, and let your imagination go wild!
Sport, Exercise and Health
Combining academic knowledge with practical application in sport, exercise and health contexts.
This Alternative Academic Qualification
(AAQ) gives you an overview of key areas including:
• Anatomy and physiology
• Exercise science
• Health and wellbeing
• Sports performance and coaching
• Nutrition and physical activity
This can lead to degrees in sport science, physiotherapy, health and fitness, and related fields. In addition to apprenticeships and employment in the sport and health sectors.
Physics
Our A-Level physics course will cover six modules, each divided into key topics;
• Development of practical skills in physics
• Foundations in physics
• Forces & motion
• Electrons, waves & photons
• Newtonian world & astrophysics
• Particles & medical physics
Studying A-Level maths alongside A-Level physics is a pre-requisite of the course.
Product Design
In your first year, you will explore many processes and techniques. You will be taught how to render designs using spirit markers, use industry standard 3D CAD software and many practical techniques whilst designing and making different products.
In your second year, you will select an area to specialise in; product design, interior design, architecture or graphic design.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It is an excellent A-Level subject to study: it is interesting, exciting and challenging.
Studying psychology helps to develop transferable skills of analysis, communication, evaluation and argument. It changes the way that you think and perceive the world forever, you will no longer be able to watch the news or read articles without considering the bigger picture and the interaction of contributing factors that lead to a variety of human behaviours.
Religious StudiesPhilosophy & Ethics
Religious Studies is a challenging and thought provoking specification as it demands students learn to think logically and write skilfully. Simply from the viewpoint of the skills it builds, it is a course worth doing. It is a popular course and encourages learners to adopt an enquiring, critical, and reflective approach to the study of religion. It allows students to reflect on and develop their own values and opinions in light of their study.
Sociology
Sociology offers insights into social and cultural issues. It is relevant to the society that you live in, so you are bound to enjoy learning about topics that are relevant to your everyday life.
Have you ever wondered why society has developed the way it is? If so, this is the subject for you. You will develop a multiperspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, religion, crime, childhood, family structure, education and social power. You will discover how to think about the issues surrounding these topics yourself and learn to look at the world in a new way. For more information about each of our courses and entry requirements, please visit our website.
You can also book a tour of our sixth form on the QR code below!
“KES has provided me with so many amazing opportunities and has resulted in me doing some of my best work. I am incredibly proud whenever I get the chance to say I go to KES sixth form.
Beatrix - Joined KES in Year 12
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“The reason why I joined King Edward VII Academy was because of its ability to help build a future one student at a time. Even if you haven’t been here long enough to know everyone you are already part of such an amazing family that helps build character and quality. To enjoy the small moments and celebrate as a team. Here everyone matters and people care about you. This is where people keep pushing, rising, and trying, a place where greatness begins.
Zahra - Joined KES in Year 12
Preparing You for Post-18
As a Sixth Form team we pride ourselves on the support we offer students in preparing for life after sixth form. Evidence of the quality of advice and guidance we provide can be seen in the fact that over the past five years 98% of our students have gone on to either university, an apprenticeship or full time employment.
Your ambitions and dreams are important to us, and we aim to help you reach your full potential.
We have a strong team of Tutors and Teachers who have an extensive experience of working with Sixth Form students and the life changes that you approach.
We monitor your progress and provide targeted intervention to help you feel confident in your growing knowledge and skills. Regular assessments ensure that you, your family and teachers are able to guide your learning to meet your academic and personal targets.
Parent guardian meetings, information evenings and visiting speakers ensure that you and your family are fully informed of
the steps needed to ensure quality learning, revision and progress.
University applications are guided and checked by Higher Education Champions, subject teachers and tutors. Each application is then personally and individually finalised by the Head of Sixth Form, to ensure that each student has the best chance possible at achieving the degree place that they aspire to study.
We strongly support students to follow the education and employment path that best suits them. We have had considerable success with supporting our students in joining apprenticeships at Level 2, 3 and 4.
Form Group and Tutorials
The experienced sixth form tutor team provides key support to students during form time. Tutors offer a reliable point of contact for guidance, helping students make informed decisions about their future after sixth form. Form time is essential for delivering advice on next steps and offers valuable support in preparing students for their goals. Additionally, tutors cover compulsory PSHE content, which equips students with important life skills for adulthood. This supportive relationship and guidance helps students stay motivated and focused on their future success.
Supporting You Through Every Step
Making the transition from key stage 4 to key stage 5 is a big step and in order to help you make this transition KES Academy sixth form provides a variety of support.
After your GCSEs have finished you will be able to attend our Sixth Form Transition Day. The day is designed to introduce you to the subjects you will be studying and the sixth form way of working. You will also be set summer transition tasks for each subject to ensure that you are as well prepared as possible for the start of your sixth form studies.
During the day you will get the chance to:
Meet the sixth form leadership team, sixth form teachers and current sixth form students
Tour the school and the sixth form facilities
Understand the curriculum programme and enrichment opportunities we offer Attend four taster lessons in subjects you are interested in taking at A-Level
Meet the KLTFC coaching staff involved in the football coaching programme
When you join in September you will follow a transition programme during form time for the first two weeks of term. This will ensure that you are supported as you make the transition to key stage 5 and make the best possible start to your sixth form journey. 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 Sixth Form we are continually developing and improving our 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.
Your Pastoral Support Team work closely with; the Safeguarding Team, our SEND Department, Football Academy, medical professionals, teachers, family and yourself, to ensure that you have access to the best support and advice for your situation.
The Pastoral Support Team is made up of Mr White, Mrs Gedge, Mrs Spindler, the team of sixth form tutors and your subject teachers. As a team we are aware that wellbeing includes your physical health, and we work to ensure that you are mentally, physically and emotionally fit and healthy to learn and enjoy achieving.
Additional sources of support can be found through Mrs Buck who works closely with a variety of external agencies such as Thurlow House, The Benjamin Foundation and Norfolk LGBTQ+ Project.
The Sixth Form Office and Pastoral Team do not require you to make an appointment to see them. You can pop along to the office for a chat, and maybe a cup of tea, with Mrs Gedge. Although some members of the pastoral team teach, there is always someone to listen when you need to talk.
We pride ourselves on looking after the whole student and encourage healthy and safe relationships, support with medical concerns and helping you balance your additional responsibilities.
The main aim of the Sixth Form Pastoral Support Team is to guide you through your educational achievements and challenges, and to build a community where everyone feels valued.
I’d like to specifically thank KES’ amazing sixth form staff who have consistently gone above and beyond to support me academically and pastorally - having people believe in you is something that will always make a difference!
Kamile, KES Alumni - studying History at Cambridge University
SEND Support
We strive to provide a high-quality provision for all learners. We work towards providing a provision that not only supports students to meet their educational goals but also assists them to develop the skills necessary to make a successful transition into adulthood.
We have a dynamic team of staff with experience working within a wide range of sectors including healthcare, careers and recruitment, hospitality, education and emotional well-being. Please get in touch to discuss how we can support you during your time at KES Sixth Form.
Financial Support
We want as many students as possible to experience the benefit of learning at King Edward VII Academy Sixth Form, and we encourage students who are eligible to apply to our bursary scheme.
The 16-19 Bursary Fund offers help to students at King Edward VII Academy Sixth Form to support students aged 16 to 19 in overcoming specific financial barriers to participation so they can remain in education.
The Fund is split into two categories: 1. Vulnerable Bursary 2. Discretionary Bursary
Students are encouraged to apply if they have extenuating circumstances leading to a financial need in attending and participating in sixth form. Further details can be found on our website.
Laptops for all Sixth Form Students
All students will have access to laptops for the duration of their time at KES Sixth Form. The sixth form team and key stage 5 teachers have worked hard to ensure that there is an outstanding set of digital resources available to support you in all subjects. Having a laptop will ensure you have access to these both in lessons and for independent study, continuously supporting you to make progress.
Entry Requirements
To study with us, you need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including a Grade 5+ in both English and mathematics. For sport and physical activity and health social care these courses can be offered at 1, 2 or 3 A-Level equivalent and/or alongside A-Levels for those students with appropriate grades.
We do accept equivalent Level Two qualifications, such as BTEC and OCR Nationals, but they will only count as one grade as we look for achievement in five separate disciplines. We reserve the right to make exceptions to these conditions through the discretion of our governing body, who will consider any exceptional personal circumstances upon application by the student concerned.
If you’re not sure about which courses are best for you, please get in touch to discuss your options. Please refer to our website for subject specific entry requirements. Coursedetailsarecorrectattimeofpublicationbutmaybesubjecttochange.
How to Apply
You can apply online by visiting helpyouchoose.org or the King Edward VII Academy Sixth Form website kesacademy.org.uk/apply.
If you have any questions or issues with your application, please contact our Administration Officer, Mrs Gedge at rachelgedge@kesacademy.org
