Norwich Road Academy
Thetford, IP24 2HT · Norfolk · primary school
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140th 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 — 4.1/10 against 2,439 of them, against 3.7/10 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 | 62% | 2.13 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 38% | 1.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Norwich Road Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the NRA Choir, Rocksteady music tuition, and various instrument lessons, alongside Mr Ingham’s STEM Enrichment and Reception’s Science Club. Sports include football, archery, badminton, and gymnastics, with a Year 6 overnight trip to London. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 317 pupils against a stated capacity of 472. 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 support is available for children joining the breakfast club? How does the curriculum prepare pupils for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about Norwich Road Academy
Overview
Norwich Road Academy is described as a "caring community" where pupils feel "valued and safe" and enjoy a "friendly atmosphere." The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with leaders providing strong support and a well-sequenced curriculum that is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate excellent personal development, benefiting from a "well-structured programme" of PSHE education and opportunities to develop "leadership skills and cultural awareness."
- Teachers are "experts in teaching reading," using clear phonics instruction and well-matched books to help pupils become "confident and fluent readers."
- Behaviour is underpinned by clear routines, such as the ‘Norwich Road Academy Way’, with staff being "patient and understanding" towards pupils who struggle.
- The curriculum is "well taught" and includes engaging local topics, such as Thetford’s history, helping pupils to "understand new concepts" and spot misconceptions quickly.
- Staff feel "valued and supported" by the trust, which provides "expert curriculum support" and networks for sharing expertise.
Areas to improve
- In a "small number of subjects, the curriculum needs further embedding," meaning not all lessons currently "maximise pupils' opportunities to learn."
- The school should continue to support staff to "consistently apply the school’s teaching methods" to ensure all pupils learn the curriculum effectively.
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) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 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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