Charles Darwin Primary School
Norwich, NR1 1DJ · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
3rd of 281 primary schools in Norfolk we can score, 343 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.6/10 against 3,267 of them, against 9.1/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 81.0 · 89 | 40% | 3.57 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 21.0 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Charles Darwin Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 81.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 21.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in June 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access gymnastics, fencing, performing arts holiday camps, arts and crafts, swimming, dodgeball, athletics, football, tennis, music lessons, and live music. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 465 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is provided for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How are the various clubs scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about Charles Darwin Primary School
Overview
Charles Darwin Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection,” where it was judged outstanding for overall effectiveness. The report confirms that the school continues to “go from strength to strength” under its expert leadership team, delivering a high-quality education for all pupils.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit “strikingly positive attitudes to their learning” and behave in an “exemplary manner,” living up to the high standards set by adults.
- The curriculum is “coherently designed,” allowing pupils to build on “impressive knowledge” and use a “rich vocabulary” across subjects.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “achieve exceptionally well” through accurately identified needs and carefully adapted activities.
- Reading provision is highly effective; pupils “learn and apply phonics with confidence” and become “fluent and accurate readers,” with quick catch-up support for those who find reading tricky.
- Personal development is of “very high quality,” fostering character, independence, and a culture where “difference is celebrated.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 81% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of NR1 1DJ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT