The Norman Church of England Primary School, Northwold
Thetford, IP26 5NB · Norfolk · primary school
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67th 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 — 5.5/10 against 3,224 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
The Norman Church of England Primary School, Northwold overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, 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 (5.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming, football tournaments, and sports day. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 101 pupils against a stated capacity of 121. 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 have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about The Norman Church of England Primary School, Northwold
Overview
The report describes a school where "many pupils enjoy attending" and feel safe within a "warm and welcoming atmosphere." Inspectors found that the school delivers a "broad and stimulating curriculum" with high expectations, resulting in the vast majority of pupils achieving well. The overall effectiveness is judged as Good, reflecting significant improvement from the previous inspection.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate strong behaviour, treating others with kindness and respect while adhering to the code of being ‘respectful, ready and safe’.
- The curriculum is "ambitious and well-designed," with clear routines that help pupils learn and close gaps in knowledge.
- Reading and phonics are taught "consistently well," with effective training for staff and books matched to pupils’ learning stages.
- Teachers "skilfully adapt learning" to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to access similar knowledge to their peers.
- Governors and trust leaders check progress effectively and engage well with parents through well-attended forums.
Areas to improve
- The school should provide increased opportunities, such as more visitors, trips, and clubs, to deepen pupils’ cultural knowledge and personal development.
- Pupils currently lack a "good enough understanding of the wider world" and are not as prepared for life in modern Britain as they could be.
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 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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