The students of this initial academic year received free uniforms for the re-opening[9] In December 2014, the Norfolk based Inspiration Trust (IT) formally took over the running of the academy and appointed Kevin Blakey as Principal.

A spokesman for the Department for Education (DfE) said: "We have consistently demonstrated that where we find failure we will not hesitate to take action – regardless of the type of school.

[16] Dame Rachel de Souza, the Chief Executive of Inspiration Trust was approached by the DfE about adding the academy to its growing portfolio.

The DfE believed that her trust was in a better geographic and cohesive position compared to the AET, with the aim to bring the academy out of special measures quickly.

"[18] In September 2014 the Principal (Neil Powell) and other senior members of staff threatened to quit the Academy if the proposed takeover did materialise.

[22][23] Following the Jan 2016 DfE letter complaining about 'unacceptably low standards' and failing to move the academy out of Special Measures,[24] Powell resigned and left UCA in April 2016, returning to East Anglia in September 2016 as headteacher of North Walsham High School, which is administered by the local council and not the AET.

[29] The girls football success continued in May 2009, winning the U14 Suffolk County Cup, beating Stowmarket High School 2–1.

Auditions were held, and after much deliberation, 11 (later 12) students were picked and were subsequently taught the basics of rock music by KISS bassist Gene Simmons.

The members were: Craig, Danielle Chapman, Jedda Smith, Jess Reid, Lauren Pashley, Lewis Divincenzo, Lil' Chris Hardman, Lily Vincent, Linde Rose, Rob Batchelor, Samanie Warren-Close & Sammi Reeve (later Katy & Toni Mickleburgh in The Upraw girl band).

Simmons' eventually selected five (Hardman, Reeve, Reid, Rose & Warren-Close) of the students to perform as a rock group.