Acle Academy is a thriving secondary school for 11-16 year olds, located in the heart of the Norfolk Broads and serving 700 children and their families. We strive to create well-rounded, responsible individuals who seize opportunities, discover their passions and love to learn throughout life. Acle Academy has a strong academic reputation.
Royal Norfolk Show 2025 This year's Royal Norfolk Show was alive with music across multiple stages and venues, showcasing a vibrant mix of talent. On Wednesday 25th June, Acle Choir took to the School Stage, delivering an engaging set of musical theatre, pop, and folk-rock songs. Formed in January 2025, the choir may be new, but their performance was anything but novice. Their expressive and dynamic delivery earned well-deserved applause. Following their set, the musical celebrations continued with performances from other schools, including a skilled violin ensemble, a creative tuned percussion group, and a range of impressive choirs. Later in the day, Acle bands Niche and Bliss lit up the New Noise Stage. Both bands formed an instant connection with the crowd through powerful vocals and expressive instrumental performances, bringing passion and energy to the heart of the showground. The day ended on a touching note when Miss Jarvis, former Head of Year 8, working nearby, heard the familiar sound of her former students and stopped by to share hugs and congratulations a fitting close to a wonderful day. #acleacademy #royalnorfolkshow
4 JulSailing Residential Last week, two groups of students were lucky enough to take part in a two-night sailing expedition. The students, who had each completed their RYA Level 1 sailing course recently at Eastwood Whelpton, were aiming to improve their sailing skills: boat handling, mooring, sail setting and, because we'd be going under Ludham Bridge, demasting at St Benet's Abbey. Each of the three wooden gaff sloops from Hunters Yard was helmed by a skipper, and it was also where the students slept and did some cooking. Group 1: Monday-Wednesday. The wind on Monday was too strong and gusty to sail so we used a motor cruiser and explored both South Walsham and Ranworth Broads. Each student got to helm the 44ft boat with some showing a real aptitude for it. On Tuesday, we set off for Barton Broad but had to use the electric motor to help when the tide was against us or the wind had been disrupted by trees. We moored overnight at Barton Turf Activity Centre and, once settled, the students cooked pasta in their own boats to accompany the sauce that the staff were cooking. Wednesday morning was spent sailing around Barton Broad before getting back on the motor cruiser to Ludham Bridge where the trip ended. Group 2: Wednesday - Friday. The new group picked up the motor cruiser at Ludham Bridge and went straight to Barton Broad pontoon to pick up their boats. After a good sail around the broad, we moored back on the pontoon for a BBQ and an overnight stay. On Thursday we sailed around Barton Broad in the morning and then after a picnic lunch, using a mixture of sail and motor, we made it back down the rivers Ant, Bure and Thurne to return to Hunters Yard. On Friday there was some more sailing on the river Thurne before the trip ended at lunchtime. The students and Acle staff would like to thank the team at Hunters Yard for making the experience so enjoyable and for all the hard work that went into the trip behind the scenes. #acleacademy #huntersyard
3 JulCelebrating Student Success in the Performing Arts We are incredibly proud to share that three Acle Academy students will be taking part in the final ever production by the Dragons Stage School on Sunday 6th July at St. George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth. Lily Doyle, Maya Forde-Pogson and Charlotte Yassin have been working hard on the school's latest and final production, "Alice – A Memory of Wonderland." This marks the end of an era, as Dragons Stage School closes its doors after over 30 years, following the retirement of its founder and director, Nigel Alexander. Tickets are available here: https://stgeorgestheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873673285 A special mention goes to Lily, who has been part of the stage school for five years. During this time, she has discovered new talents, grown in confidence, and developed both performance and backstage technical skills. Lily's passion for the stage will continue this summer, as she takes part in the Great Yarmouth evening ghost walks, portraying a Victorian orphan ghost alongside fellow students from Dragons. We wish Lily, Maya and Charlotte all the best for their final performance and congratulate them on their dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm for the arts. What a fantastic achievement! #acleacademy #stgeorgestheatre_official
2 JulReflections on My Time as a School Governor When my wife came home one day and mentioned she'd been speaking with Helen Watts about the role of a school governor, I must have missed the part where she volunteered me! With a full-time career and other commitments, it certainly wasn't something I had been considering. A few days later, I met with Matthew (Chair) and Helen to discuss the role of Parent Governor and what would be expected of me. That was back in 2018. My final day as a governor was Friday, 27th June 2025, and it marked my last Governors' meeting. Stepping down was not an easy decision. The experience has been incredibly rewarding and has given me a deep appreciation for the challenges faced daily by our education system, our schools, andmost importantlyour teachers. Before becoming a governor, I viewed Acle from a distanceboth of my children attended the schooland I made assumptions about how things worked, often without understanding the full picture. Being part of the governing body gave me invaluable insight and the opportunity to contribute, not only as a parent but also by bringing in my experience from the business world. I've thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the dedicated staff and engaging with the students. It's been a truly enriching experience, and I would wholeheartedly encourage other parents to speak with Helen about becoming a school governor. You really can make a differenceand you'll gain so much in return. I'll miss the Senior Leadership Team, especially Helen, who is an outstanding Head, and my fellow governors, who give their time so generously to help Acle continue to thrive. Jason Chapman
2 JulA few more host families are still needed. Please contact hosting@englishexp.co.uk if this is of interest to you.
1 JulThere's still time to buy tickets for our Year 6 Transition Disco. We're looking forward to seeing you there. #acleacademy
1 JulWell done, Edward! We love hearing about the achievements of our ex-students and having the opportunity to celebrate them. Please share your news with us at info@acle.norfolk.sch.uk #acleacademy
1 JulPlease see the latest Family Voice newsletter. https://www.familyvoice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Family-Voice-Norfolkjune25comp.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Please%20share%20our%20FVN%20June%202025%20Newsletter&utm_content=Please%20share%20our%20FVN%20June%202025%20Newsletter+CID_53726acca1bae1914b88efff21c01b83&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=here #acleacademy
30 Jun