The Free School Norwich
Norwich, NR1 3NX · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
220th 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 the 3,846 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3/10 among them, against 2.2/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 62% | 0.85 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 38% | 1.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Free School Norwich 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 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3 out of 10 among them, against 2.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Premier Holiday Club, attend house sports day, and learn recorders, ocarinas, piano, drums, or guitar. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 180 pupils against a stated capacity of 196. 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 to bridge the gap between the current 46.0% attainment rate and the national median? What specific strategies are used to raise the proportion of pupils reaching the higher standard? How does the curriculum accommodate the diverse musical interests listed in the arts provision?
What Ofsted said about The Free School Norwich
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils take pride in their education and feel supported by staff. Leaders have successfully guided the school through change, strengthening the curriculum and ensuring a calm, purposeful learning environment. The early years provision is rated Outstanding, with children settling quickly and building strong foundations for future learning.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well structured," helping pupils build knowledge over time with "regular opportunities to revisit past learning."
- Early years provision is "exciting and engaging," with skilled adults encouraging rich discussions and adapting the curriculum "exceptionally well."
- Pupils are "confident, enthusiastic readers" due to familiar phonics routines and timely support.
- Leaders have "strengthened the curriculum" while managing staff workload and well-being effectively.
- A wide range of visits and visitors "enrich pupils’ learning" and deepen understanding across subjects.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must have "consistently high expectations of pupils’ writing across all subjects," not just in English, to ensure pupils can communicate ideas clearly.
- Staff in some foundation subjects must use checks on pupils’ learning to "inform future teaching" so that instruction builds effectively on prior knowledge.
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 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 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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