Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Downham Market, PE38 0DP · Norfolk · primary school
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44th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.9/10 against 3,977 of them, against 6.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Choir and Music Workshop, and Class 3 visits the Cambridge Mosque. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 108 pupils against a stated capacity of 112. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Pupils arrive at school “happy and smiling” and feel safe, benefiting from a “broad and balanced curriculum” that fosters strong progress in core subjects like reading and mathematics. Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs, who “make strong progress” through personalised support. The school is characterised by positive behaviour, with bullying being rare and staff effectively addressing any unkindness.
Strengths
- The reading curriculum is “well thought through,” with consistent phonics teaching helping pupils become “fluent, accurate readers.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities learn the same curriculum as their peers and receive effective support to remove barriers to learning.
- Teachers “check on pupils’ understanding thoroughly,” identifying misconceptions to help pupils correct errors and build knowledge.
- Leaders promote personal development well, ensuring pupils learn about diversity, democracy, and how to stay safe.
- Staff are supportive, with parents noting they “go above and beyond” to care for children.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects where leaders are new, the sequence of knowledge is not clearly identified, meaning teachers do not always plan activities that build effectively on previous learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with thorough staff training and detailed records ensuring vulnerable pupils receive necessary support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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