Downham Market Academy
Downham Market, PE38 9LL · Norfolk · secondary school
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35th 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 — 3.0/10 against 880 of them, against 3.2/10 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 | 34% | 1.79 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 32.9 · 20 | 30% | 0.62 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.06 · 46 | 25% | 1.16 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.5 · 32 | 10% | 0.32 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Downham Market Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 35.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.8, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.06 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 (3.7 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Philosophy, Coding, and Green Society clubs, or participate in Rugby, Tennis, and Netball. Arts options include the Rock and Pop Club, Music Theory, and Year 9 Art Club. An after-school club is available for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,329 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,567. 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 to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Downham Market Academy
Overview
Downham Market Academy has “improved considerably” under the leadership of the Eastern Learning Alliance Trust, with pupils feeling “safe, more secure and happier.” The school now offers an “ambitious and broad curriculum” where teachers’ strong subject knowledge and effective planning help all pupils, including those with special educational needs, to learn well.
Strengths
- Teachers “plan effectively” and break learning into small steps, enabling pupils to build on previous knowledge and demonstrate a “deep understanding of complex ideas.”
- Behaviour is “good,” with pupils participating enthusiastically and bullying being resolved quickly; the school has instilled an ethos that nurtures “compassion, empathy and resilience.”
- Leaders emphasise reading, ensuring pupils enjoy “diverse texts” and receive precise help if they fall behind.
- Personal development is strong, with well-planned personal, social and health education that promotes “inclusivity, diversity and equality.”
- Careers education meets statutory requirements, providing pupils with “independent and objective guidance” and useful professional skills.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to “liaise more closely and engage more positively with all stakeholders” to ensure parents are fully informed and feel listened to.
- Leaders must “enhance personal development in the sixth form” to increase opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and contribute to the wider school community.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff receiving regular training and reporting concerns swiftly to ensure pupils receive necessary support.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.3 |
| 2024/25 | 43.8 |
| 2025/26 | 42.5 |
| 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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