The Open Academy in Heartsease, Norwich has recently been welcomed into Norfolk’s family of Church of England schools. The Bishop of Norwich visited the school to meet with pupils and staff, as well as to lead assemblies. The school was judged as ‘good’ by Ofsted last year and conducted extensive consultations about becoming a Church of England academy, with over 96% of responses being in favor of the decision. Principal Jon Ford expressed his excitement about the new faith designation, stating that the school will continue to be inclusive and welcoming to students of all backgrounds and beliefs.
The Bishop of Norwich blessed two crosses to be displayed at the school and emphasized the importance of students finding fullness in life within the school’s Christian ethos. He spoke to pupils about serving and helping others and met with student leaders and vulnerable students along with their dedicated staff. Open Academy was originally established with a Christian ethos in 2009 and has been part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust for over a decade. The school has now been officially redesignated as a Church of England school by the Department for Education, becoming the first DNEAT secondary school in Norfolk.
Oliver Burwood, CEO of DNEAT, highlighted that the community’s overwhelming desire for Open Academy to become a Church of England academy was a driving force in the decision. The school’s strong Christian values and commitment to inclusion have made it a beacon of success in inclusive education, with good teachers and engaging lessons. The Bishop of Norwich commended the school’s dedication to welcoming children, staff, and visitors of all faiths and none. The Open Academy has become an important part of the Norfolk family of Church of England schools, supporting students from diverse communities and fostering a deep respect and care for all.
The partnership between Open Academy and the Church of England reflects a shared commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for students to thrive. The Bishop of Norwich’s visit to the school was described as inspirational, showcasing the importance of the school’s Christian values in its educational mission. The school’s newly designated status as a Church of England academy will help to protect and strengthen its inclusive ethos, ensuring that all members of the community feel loved and valued. With a focus on serving others and promoting care and respect for all, Open Academy continues to fulfill its mission of providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for students of diverse backgrounds.
