Heartwood CofE VC Primary & Nursery School
Swaffham, PE37 7RF · Norfolk · primary school
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206th 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 — 0.6/10 against 2,170 of them, against 0.8/10 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Heartwood CofE VC Primary & Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, the Daily Mile, and use the climbing wall. A breakfast club is available, and the school organises a residential trip to Horstead.
Getting in
The published school roll is 241 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading or maths? How does the school manage the current over-capacity situation for new admissions?
What Ofsted said about Heartwood CofE VC Primary & Nursery School
Overview
Heartwood CofE VC Primary & Nursery School is described as a "warm and welcoming place" where pupils understand there are "high expectations set for them to achieve well." The report highlights a strong focus on pupil well-being, with leaders prioritising phonics and early reading, resulting in staff who "successfully promote a love of reading."
Strengths
- Pupils "treat each other well" and have "positive relationships with staff," feeling safe and confident that bullying would be resolved quickly.
- Early reading provision is effective, with "skilled teaching staff" helping pupils become fluent readers through timely checks and targeted support.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "supported effectively," allowing them to learn well alongside classmates.
- The school fosters active citizenship and personal development, with pupils learning about "different faiths" and taking on responsibilities like being a "subject ambassador."
- Leaders have a "clear, shared vision" and are supported by a "committed and experienced governing body."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff consistently provide activities that help pupils "practise using the knowledge they have been taught" to improve retention across the curriculum.
- Leaders should "refine their monitoring processes" so that oversight of all aspects of the school’s work is as sharp and precise as possible.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," with rigorous systems in place and staff who know how to report concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 4% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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