Magdalen Academy
King's Lynn, PE34 3BU · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
235th 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 — 0.1/10 against 2,959 of them, against 0.4/10 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 | 17.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.03 |
| 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.
Magdalen Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 17.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. 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 (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a bushcraft club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 43 pupils against a stated capacity of 70. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the bushcraft club integrate with the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Magdalen Academy
Overview
Magdalen Academy is described as a small village school where “relationships are strong, and pupils are valued.” The report states that the school is “Good” across all inspection categories, noting that pupils are “safe and secure” and benefit from a “clear learning journey.” Leaders have successfully maintained high standards despite significant staff turnover, ensuring that the intended curriculum is delivered effectively across mixed-age classes.
Strengths
- Early years provision is a “strength of the school,” with a “precise curriculum” that ensures children are “well prepared for Year 1.”
- A “strong early reading curriculum” is in place, where staff regularly check progress and support pupils who fall behind, resulting in most becoming “fluent readers.”
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a “strength,” with “carefully assessed” needs and individual adjustments allowing access to the full curriculum.
- Pupils have a “voice in this school,” developing confidence through pupil-led assemblies and opportunities to compete in sporting events and perform at a “national arena in London.”
- Staff feel “valued and supported,” appreciating leadership efforts regarding workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In mathematics, teachers “do not always address misconceptions in pupils’ learning,” leading to gaps in knowledge regarding number work and place value.
- The school should ensure ongoing training supports staff with their “mathematical subject knowledge” to help pupils develop necessary skills.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 17% |
| 2024/25 | 17% |
| 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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