City Academy Norwich
Norwich, NR4 7LP · Norfolk · secondary school
Check the area around this school
53rd of 53 secondary schools in Norfolk we can score. 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 — 1.7/10 against 204 of them, against 0.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.19 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 25.2 · 8 | 30% | 0.24 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.75 · 7 | 25% | 0.17 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 36.2 · 7 | 10% | 0.07 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
City Academy Norwich overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 35.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.75 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 674 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,100. 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
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between the current Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2024 inspection? How does the curriculum adapt to the diverse backgrounds of the student body?
What Ofsted said about City Academy Norwich
Overview
The report states that the school is "shifting an established culture" following significant challenges, with leadership rated as "Good" while other aspects "Require improvement." Inspectors noted that the school "no longer requires significant improvement," reflecting positive changes in staff expectations, parental perception, and pupil confidence.
Strengths
- Leadership is praised for working "tirelessly" to improve the school, resulting in "overwhelmingly positive staff feedback" and a "significant change in parental perception."
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is described as a "strength," with "substantial" and "demonstrable" improvements in support.
- The school allotment and forest school provide valuable opportunities for pupils to build "confidence and social skills."
- Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," with pupils trusting the pastoral team and leaders not tolerating "prejudicial language."
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is not yet delivered consistently, leading to "gaps in pupils’ knowledge" and unaddressed misconceptions.
- High suspension rates mean pupils miss out on learning and structure; rules must be implemented "robustly and consistently."
- Attendance is too low, leaving gaps in work; systems for improving attendance must be "sufficiently rigorous."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 32.2 |
| 2024/25 | 35.2 |
| 2025/26 | 36.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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