Headteacher’s Welcome

Welcome to the Sandringham Federation website. The Sandringham Federation of Primary Academies brings together Sandringham and West Newton CE Primary Academy and Flitcham Primary Academy — two small, nurturing village schools set within the beautiful Royal Sandringham Estate in West Norfolk.

From the moment I joined the Federation, I was struck by the strong family ethos that defines both schools. Each school sits at the heart of its community, and this sense of belonging is central to the way we work. While this website — and the links to each individual school — offer an insight into our values, curriculum and day‑to‑day life, nothing compares to seeing our schools in action. We warmly encourage prospective families to arrange a visit and experience our wonderful environments first‑hand.

A little about our History …

The schools have been part of the Sandringham Estate since the 1850s, originally serving the children of agricultural workers and operating as Church of England schools under Norfolk County Council. In 2014, Flitcham Primary Academy joined the newly formed Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT). Sandringham and West Newton CE Primary Academy followed in 2018, after which the two schools formally federated to become the Sandringham Federation we know today.

Both schools remain proud Church of England academies, and this is reflected in our Christian ethos and the composition of our Local Governance Committee. Our Local Governance Committee is federated across both schools, and staff work collaboratively throughout the week — sharing expertise, strengthening subject leadership, and ensuring consistency for all pupils.

I am privileged to serve as the Executive Headteacher, working closely with my Executive Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Nichola Keir, and our SENDCo, Mrs Chrissie Reddey, who supports both schools weekly. Staff meet regularly and work together across sites, ensuring a cohesive and ambitious approach to teaching and learning.

Learning together across the Federation

Our Learning Together work now has a strong focus on high‑quality PE provision across the Federation. Children in Key Stage 2 come together on Wednesday afternoons during the first two terms to take part in joint PE sessions. These sessions include swimming, as well as specialist coaching delivered by Mrs Kate Bamfield, our Federation PE Lead. This shared approach enables pupils to benefit from expert teaching, experience a larger peer group, and develop confidence and teamwork skills.

Children from both schools regularly attend sporting events together, proudly representing the Federation. Many educational visits — including residentials and selected trips — are also undertaken as a Federation, strengthening friendships and widening experiences. New for 2026, we are delighted to introduce a Federation Choir, offering children from both schools the chance to perform together and celebrate music as a shared strength. At the end of each academic year, both schools join together for our Federation Sports Day, a highlight of the summer term and a wonderful celebration of teamwork, participation and community spirit.

Working in partnership

The partnership between our children, families, schools and the local church is central to our work. By working together, we can offer every child the best opportunities to thrive as a learner. We aim to create an atmosphere that blends excellence with enjoyment, encouraging curiosity, creativity and active engagement. In doing so, we lay strong foundations for inquiring minds that continue to grow long after children leave our schools.

Parents are always welcome in school, and we are fortunate to receive generous support from families — from listening to readers to gardening and cycle safety. If you have a skill or interest you would like to share, please do come and speak with us.

Safeguarding is paramount across the Federation. We are committed to Safer Recruitment, and all staff and volunteers undertake appropriate safeguarding training and hold enhanced DBS checks.

We would be delighted to show you around our wonderful village schools. Please call 01485 540506 or 01485 600383 to arrange a visit.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine King
Executive Headteacher