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Principal's Welcome
Our vision
Our ambition is to be a beacon of excellence at the heart of our community: a place where everyone feels valued, included, supported, and proud to belong.
We set the bar high, academically, socially, and personally, and we make no apologies for this. We believe that all students deserve the very best, and that starts with high expectations from the moment they walk through our doors. Our commitment to excellence is matched by the support we provide to help every student reach their full potential.
Our values
"WORK HARD, BE KIND, CHOOSE WISELY" are the foundations of our Trust and the communities we serve.
The de Ferrers Academy is amongst the top 20 largest schools in England and the largest school in Staffordshire, serving over 2,450 students across three campuses:
- Dove Campus (Years 7-8): Tailored to support a smooth transition from primary school, this campus provides a nurturing ‘middle years’ environment for our youngest secondary students.
- Trent Campus (Years 9-11): Focused on preparing students for Level 2 qualifications, primarily GCSEs. We emphasise the EBacc curriculum while also catering to diverse student interests and needs.
- Sixth Form Campus (Years 12-13): Situated in the town centre, this flagship campus bridges the gap to Higher Education. It offers a strong A Level programme alongside BTEC and CTEC options, accommodating over 500 students.
As the founding member of The de Ferrers Trust in 2015, we are guided by shared values introduced in 2019: Work hard, be kind, choose wisely. These principles shape the daily conduct of both students and staff.
Our academy is highly regarded in the local community, with a track record of being oversubscribed year-on-year. The decision to expand our Pupil Admission Number and establish a dedicated Sixth Form Campus reflects strong local support and our commitment to meeting the needs of Burton’s students.
We proudly hold multiple accolades, including:
- Apple Distinguished School
- Chamber Schools Member (East Midlands)
- Ofsted ‘Good’ (October 2023)
To enhance learning, every student from Year 7 to Year 13 has been provided with an iPad since September 2021.
With over 35 languages spoken in students’ homes, our diverse community reflects a vibrant mix of backgrounds. While 56% of our students are of white heritage, a significant 20% have Pakistani heritage, enriching the cultural fabric of our school.
Mrs A Bickle, Executive Principal
