Necton VA Primary School
Swaffham, PE37 8HT · Norfolk · primary school
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87th 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 — 2.5/10 against 1,916 of them, against 2.5/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 90 | 35% | 3.17 |
| 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.
Necton VA Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% 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 (2.5 out of 10 either way). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 198 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 maths? What specific steps are taken to help children reach the higher standard in reading? How does the new Ofsted framework affect daily teaching practices?
What Ofsted said about Necton VA Primary School
Overview
Necton VA Primary School is described as a "welcoming and inclusive" environment where pupils "thrive" and feel "safe and cared for." The report highlights "strong" standards in attendance, behaviour, inclusion, leadership, and personal development, while noting that achievement and teaching meet the "expected standard."
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "strong standard," with leaders working "highly effectively" to support families and maintain an "orderly and purposeful" environment.
- The school fosters a "highly inclusive" culture, ensuring pupils with diverse needs, including those with special educational needs, "access learning confidently" through expert staff support.
- Leadership is "reflective, analytical and ambitious," with governors providing "informed support and challenge" to drive continuous improvement.
- Personal development is "highly effective," preparing pupils for life beyond school through a "carefully sequenced" curriculum that builds "confidence, resilience and empathy."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "embed the school's strengthened approach to writing," including in the early years, to secure "consistently strong achievement" across all subjects and year groups over time.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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