Costessey Primary School
Norwich, NR5 0RR · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
97th 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 — 4.6/10 against 2,609 of them, against 4.0/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Costessey Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 559 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 who are below the expected standard in literacy? What specific activities are available in the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Costessey Primary School
Overview
Costessey Primary School is a place where pupils "learn well, while having fun" within a culture of "mutual respect." The report highlights an "exciting and ambitious curriculum" and "highly effective" personal development provision, noting that pupils leave as "well-rounded, responsible and caring young people."
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully crafted," ensuring pupils build "solid foundations" and develop skills, such as in art, in a "sensible order."
- Personal development is "extremely well-considered," helping pupils "persevere," communicate effectively, and treat others with equality regardless of background.
- Teaching is strong, with adults who "know the individual needs of pupils" and effectively adapt activities so those with SEND can "access the same curriculum."
- Reading instruction is rigorous; the phonics programme is taught well, and struggling readers receive "effective extra support."
- Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," supported by a "well-established culture of vigilance" and regular staff training.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers are trained to consistently implement new assessment strategies in foundation subjects, as they currently "do not always have information from checks on pupils’ learning throughout the curriculum to adapt the next learning."
Safeguarding
The report states that "arrangements for safeguarding are effective," with leaders providing regular training and working well with external agencies to support pupils and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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
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