Upwell Academy
Wisbech, PE14 9EW · Norfolk · primary school
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266th 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 — 0.3/10 against 3,042 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 31.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.13 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.30 |
| 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.
Upwell Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.0% 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%, 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 (0.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art and crafts, Choir, Film, Dance, and Painting clubs, alongside sports like football, netball, and gymnastics. Trips include visits to Welney Wetland Centre and Pizza Express. An after-school club is available for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 180 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 steps are taken to raise attainment in writing?
What Ofsted said about Upwell Academy
Overview
Upwell Academy is a small primary school where leaders have established a "well-organised and ambitious" curriculum, particularly in the early years. While pupils feel safe and behave well within a "calm and orderly environment," attainment in core subjects remains below national averages. Leaders are actively working to improve teaching consistency and raise achievement levels.
Strengths
- The early years curriculum is "well-organised and ambitious," with "high-quality phonics teaching" ensuring children quickly experience success in reading.
- Staff maintain "warm and respectful relationships" with pupils, fostering a culture where children "feel safe and included" and engage positively with learning.
- Leaders have introduced "rigorous systems" to improve attendance, which is now "close to the national averages."
- Inclusion is effective, with staff using assessment data to provide "appropriate support" that helps pupils with special educational needs access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Pupils benefit from a "carefully structured programme" for personal development, including leadership roles and a wide range of clubs and visits.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must support staff to "consistently deploy high-quality teaching approaches," as occasional inconsistencies mean some pupils miss out on key explanations.
- Leaders should ensure pupils' achievement improves over time, as too many pupils do not achieve as well as they should by the end of key stage 2, leaving them "not as well prepared for their next steps."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 39% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 31% |
| 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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