Ashill Voluntary Controlled Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 4 to 11
Ofsted: Good

The Oaks, Ashill, Ashill Vc Primary School, Thetford, IP25 7APOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Ashill Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a primary school in Thetford for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 3rd of 18 primary schools in Thetford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 19 September 2023, report published 8 November 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 September 2023

This is a school at the heart of the community and where the community is at the heart of the school. Pupils love coming to school. They describe the school as one big family. Pupils and the wider community appreciate the care and support they receive from all the adults working at the school. Pupils thrive because of the high expectations and quality of care they receive. Pupils enjoy an active and dynamic curriculum. Learning is memorable, fun and exciting. The curriculum is adapted to meet pupils' needs and interests. They are inspired to ask questions, discover new skills and talents and approach new learning with confidence. Pupils have access to a wide range of clubs and extra-curricular activities, both after school and during the holidays. These are extremely well attended, open to all and supported by staff and collaborative partnerships with the community. Pupils know and understand the school values of resilience, kindness, respect, aspiration, curiosity and independence. They show genuine care for each other. Pupils are reflective. They value and act upon the feedback they receive from their peers. Playtimes are opportunities to make choices and explore interests. Pupils behave well.

What the school should improve

  • In a few areas of the curriculum, the important knowledge that pupils should know at different points is not clearly defined. Teachers do not know the knowledge that they should check that pupils can remember. This does not help teachers to plan sequences of learning that build towards pupils having a deeper understanding of more complex ideas. The school should ensure that, in all subjects, the important knowledge that pupils should learn is identified and ordered so that it builds towards pupils understanding more complex content and concepts.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

17 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths53%

53%, 9 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths12%

12%, 4 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score108

108, 2 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score109

109, 4 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

109 pupils on roll, with places for 109

Eligible for free school meals8.3%

8.3%, 18.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language0%

0%, 21.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support23.9%

23.9%, 9.1 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan6.4%

6.4%, 0.4 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Ashill Voluntary Controlled Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Parker's Church of England Primary Academy2 milesOfsted: Good25% met the expected standard
Watton Junior School3 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to good31% met the expected standard
Watton Westfield Infant and Nursery School3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Necton VA Primary School3 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standard58% met the expected standard
St Peter and St Paul Church of England Primary Academy & Nursery4 milesOfsted: Good52% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Voluntary controlled school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Church of England
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mr Dan Pickard
Address
The Oaks, Ashill, Ashill Vc Primary School, Thetford, IP25 7AP
Local authority
Norfolk
URN
121026

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.