Southery Academy
Downham Market, PE38 0PA · Norfolk · primary school
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249th 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 — 1.0/10 against 2,315 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 62% | 0.85 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Southery Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.0% 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%. 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 (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 83 pupils against a stated capacity of 98. 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
With 15 places currently available, what are the specific criteria for admitting new pupils in the next academic year? How does the school support pupils who are working below the expected standard in literacy and numeracy? What daily routines are in place to help children engage with the curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Southery Academy
Overview
Southery Academy is a small primary school where pupils “enjoy coming to school” and benefit from an “ambitious curriculum” that has been thoroughly revised. The inspection highlights a culture of high attendance, strong pupil well-being, and effective support for those with special educational needs, following a period of substantial change and increased stability in leadership.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well because learning “builds gradually,” allowing them to “remember a lot of what they have learned.”
- The reading curriculum is “well thought out,” resulting in pupils becoming “fluent confident readers.”
- Staff demonstrate “strong subject knowledge and high teacher confidence” due to comprehensive training opportunities.
- Pupils behave well, showing “care, consideration and courtesy to each other” in a bullying-free environment.
- Early years provision ensures children get off to a “positive start” with well-planned indoor and outdoor exploration.
Areas to improve
- The trust must ensure a “consistent approach” to behaviour management and classroom routines to prevent time being wasted between activities.
- The school needs to improve communication with parents to address concerns and build confidence in the changes made by the school and trust.
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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 46% |
| 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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