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Begin Your Educational Journey with Lotus Academy Trust

Join us on a journey of discovery and growth. Experience unique education, improve your life chances and prepare for life and the world of work.

Nurturing Potential, Inspiring Futures

Discover how Lotus Academy Trust empowers students through dedicated teaching and innovative learning environments.

Inclusive & Specialized Learning at Lotus Academy Trust

Catering to diverse learning needs, Lotus Academy Trust offers tailored educational pathways. We champion inclusive environments, like at The Damara School, where every child can flourish.

Holistic Specialist Education at Lotus Trust: Transforming Children's Lives

At Lotus Trust, we empower children with special educational needs (SEN) through our holistic approach. Our award-winning Thetford school provides personalized learning pathways, integrated therapeutic support, and essential life skills development. We are dedicated to building confidence and fostering independence, ensuring a brighter future for every child in our care. Discover specialized SEN education that makes a difference.

student smiling showing artwork

Preparing children for life through holistic education.

Finding Opportunities in every difficulty

Latest News

Keep up to date with the school community

Lotus Trust News

See our latest student successes and community events.

Students working with each other

'First of its kind' - New complex needs school opens in Thetford

Thetford's new Damara School, by Lotus Trust, offers unique academic and therapeutic...
Sep 09, 2021

Students in front of Damara School

Breckland Council leases Thetford building to local school

Breckland Council leases Thetford Maltings to Damara School, expanding SEN support for...
Oct 27, 2023

School & Community Events | Lotus Trust

Find information on all previous and upcoming events hosted by Lotus Academy Trust, including open evenings, student activities, and community celebrations.

Sizewell Visit

Jun
18
Wed

Damara

Sizewell C Information Office, King George's...

10:08 AM

GMT
sizewell information office

Royal Norfolk Show

Jun
25
Wed

Damara

Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5...

10:01 AM

GMT
The Damara School at the Royal Norfolk Show 2025

Magical Trip to Bewilderwood...

Jun
30
Mon

Damara

Bewilderwood Norfolk, Horning Road, Hoveton, Norwich,...

10:17 AM

GMT
bewilderwood norfolk

Inflata Nation

Jul
02
Wed

Damara

Inflata Nation Peterborough, PE1 5XG

10:23 AM

GMT
inflata nation peterborough

Ancient House Museum

Jul
04
Fri

Damara

Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life,...

10:29 AM

GMT
the ancient house museum

Jimmy's Farm

Jul
07
Mon

Damara

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, Pannington...

10:31 AM

GMT
jimmys farm

Framlingham Castle

Jul
08
Tue

Damara

Framlingham Castle, Church Street, Framlingham, IP13...

10:34 AM

GMT
framlingham castle

The Damara School Sports...

Jul
11
Fri

Damara

The Maltings, Raymond St, Thetford IP24...

10:40 AM

GMT
The front of The Damara School

Lakeside Fun at Bawsey...

Jul
14
Mon

Damara

Bawsey Country Park, B1145, King's Lynn,...

10:43 AM

GMT
bawsey bay

Thrills at Pleasurewood Hills...

Jul
17
Thu

Damara

Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park, Leisure...

10:46 AM

GMT
pleasurewood hills

The Damara School Prom...

Jul
18
Fri

Damara

The Maltings, Raymond St, Thetford IP24...

10:48 AM

GMT
the damara school prom
Image
sandra

Message From The CEO

Mrs Govender has over 30 years of working in education and training. She started her career in South Africa teaching classes of 40+ children. In 2002, Mrs Govender emigrated to England, finding herself in Watton, where she taught Food Technology at Wayland High School. She was promoted to Pastoral Lead (year 9) and Faculty Head over the next few years. She moved to Great Yarmouth in 2008 and took up the post of Assistant Headteacher at Lynn Grove High School, which was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2010. In 2012, Mrs Govender, as Deputy Head (Pastoral), was instrumental in setting up and running Beccles Free School. Her area of leadership was judged outstanding by Ofsted in 2014. She went on to lead the school as Head of School from January to April 2015.During her years in mainstream education, Mrs Govender remained passionate about promoting student leadership, coaching and mentoring and community cohesion. She set up Student Leadership Programmes including The Junior Chef Programme and Peer mentoring, Parent and Family Workshops such as ‘Saturday is Family Cook Day’, Parent and children events and community engagement such as community gardening and inter-generational activities with local residential and care homes. Some of the...

Testimonials

I used to love the building and watching the school grow and become more popular over the 4 years of being a pupil and being exited for how many locations the school has moved well done Sandra Govender for teaching children with special needs and helping them learn.

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Anonymous

Alumni

Pupils love coming to Damara. They thrive here and want to attend school, often after lengthy periods of disruption to their previous education. Pupils feel safe. They build confidence and self-esteem because they trust the adults who work with them. Respectful and caring relationships are at the heart of pupils’ success. They get on well with each other and learn how to manage their own behaviour and anxieties exceptionally well. Pupils say that bullying does not happen. They know it would be stopped quickly if it did.

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Ofsted 22

Ofsted 22