Diss High School
Diss, IP22 4DH · Norfolk · secondary school
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32nd of 53 secondary schools in Norfolk we can score. 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 — 3.2/10 against 893 of them, against 3.5/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 36.4 · 28 | 30% | 0.85 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.08 · 44 | 25% | 1.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.0 · 34 | 10% | 0.34 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Diss High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.08 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Musical Theatre Academy, GCSE Art Open Studio, and BSL Club. They participate in Physical Education Clubs and attend trips such as the Lessons from Auschwitz project and a Spanish theatre trip. An after-school club is available for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 877 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher grades in English and maths? How does the after-school club integrate with the curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Diss High School
Overview
Diss High School continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as "happy and safe" within an inclusive environment. The report highlights that students generally work hard and benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" and effective teaching, resulting in most achieving well.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, responding positively to the school’s reward system, with bullying taken "seriously" and resolved swiftly.
- The curriculum is "well designed" and clearly structured, allowing pupils to make connections to previous learning.
- Teaching staff possess "strong knowledge" of their subjects and use assessment methods to identify and correct misconceptions.
- The school provides effective support for reading, helping weaker readers become "confident, fluent readers" through targeted activities.
- Attendance has improved due to the school’s "insistent and persistent" approach to removing barriers and supporting families.
Areas to improve
- Teachers, particularly in Years 7 and 8, must better adapt the curriculum so that all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can access new learning and achieve their potential.
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 | 44.3 |
| 2024/25 | 46.6 |
| 2025/26 | 43.0 |
| 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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