New Thetford Academy Principal Ina Coubrough introduces herself, reflects on her career in Norfolk education and shares her ambitions for the school.
Some of you will have been reading Dr Fordham’s column for the past few years, and I am thrilled to be taking up the pen for the next chapter.
Dr Fordham used this space to explore his thoughts on education, from testing and technology to the curriculum and the wider world. I hope to continue that tradition, while also giving you a glimpse into the people and stories that make Thetford Academy such a special place.
I am writing this article on the eve of A-level results day – there is always a sense of excitement (and a bit of trepidation!) for both staff and students on days like this; a promise of an exciting new adventure while leaving the familiar world of school behind. These results only happen because of the hard work and dedicated partnerships between the students, their families and their teachers. I feel very fortunate to be taking on the leadership of a school with such a strong sense of community.
Thetford Academy has a lot to be proud of. My job is not to start again, but to build on those successes and make sure that every young person who walks through our doors leaves the Academy believing they can make a difference to themselves, their families, their community and the wider world.
I was fortunate to have teachers who showed me that I could make a difference. I started my career as an English teacher at Sprowston Community High School in Norwich, and I have worked in Norfolk ever since. I have been teaching long enough now that many of my past students have high-school-age children of their own!
I have undertaken a range of roles in the last two decades: Head of English, House Leader, Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Safeguarding Lead, as well as leadership roles in three high schools. I have learned something different from every post, and I look forward to helping create the conditions for every student to flourish at the Academy.
Last term, I had the privilege of experiencing some of the great events the Academy has to offer, including our fabulous inclusive sports day, a mesmerising performance of Moana, an inspiring visit from Britten Sinfonia and a superb visit from the panel members for Thetford in Bloom, who enjoyed the gardening efforts of the pupils and staff.
It was also wonderful to hear some of the brilliant success stories from our Year 10 pupils out on Activities Week, learning about the businesses and organisations that make up our local community.
The next chapter is beginning, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it. I am looking forward to welcoming our new Year 7 pupils, celebrating the achievements of our GCSE and A-level students, and sharing more of the great things going on at the Academy with you all.
Here’s to a successful and exciting year ahead.
Ina Coubrough
Principal
Thetford Academy
