Nelson Academy
Downham Market, PE38 9PF · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
93rd 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.0/10 against 2,311 of them, against 4.2/10 nationally. 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Nelson Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Eco Club and Pupil Parliament. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 386 pupils against a stated capacity of 378. 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 fall below the national median in maths? What specific activities take place during the Eco Club sessions?
What Ofsted said about Nelson Academy
Overview
Nelson Academy continues to be a good school, described as a "warm and welcoming" environment where pupils are polite, friendly, and feel safe. The report highlights that pupils learn and achieve well within a calm, orderly setting, benefiting from high expectations and effective support for those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils develop "rich and detailed knowledge" across an ambitious curriculum, with teachers providing "precise guidance" to improve work.
- The school fosters strong personal development, with all pupils learning first aid and engaging in clubs like the ‘Eco Club’ and ‘pupil parliament’.
- Behaviour is excellent, with bullying being "very rare" and pupils confident that adults will intervene quickly if issues arise.
- Early years provision effectively prepares children for Year 1, teaching independence and helping them understand "many new words".
- Staff well-being is prioritised, with leaders considering workload carefully, resulting in staff who "feel valued" and enjoy working at the school.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the new phonics programme is fully implemented and staff receive further training so that "a small number of weaker readers" receive support precisely matched to their needs.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with all adults well trained to spot signs of risk and pupils confident in sharing worries and knowing how to keep themselves safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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