Diss High School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Walcot Road, Diss, IP22 4DHOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Diss High School is a secondary school in Diss for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 25th of 53 secondary schools in Norfolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 26 February 2014, report published 21 March 2014

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 March 2024

Pupils are happy and safe at this inclusive school. Pupils are friendly and welcoming. Sixth-form students are positive role models and support younger pupils well. Most pupils live up to the school's motto, 'work hard, be kind'. Pupils behave well. They respond well to the school's approach to give 'positives', which are rewards for praiseworthy behaviour. Should any pupil misbehave, the school helps them to get back on track. Pupils are generally kind to each other. They know they can go to a trusted adult should they have any concerns. If bullying occurs, the school takes it seriously and works swiftly to resolve the situation. Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum. The school has high expectations for what pupils should achieve. Pupils generally work hard. Effective teaching, including in the sixth form, enables most pupils and students to learn well across the curriculum. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, benefit from a wide range of clubs and activities that enrich their experiences. This includes a well-attended Duke of Edinburgh's Award. There are trips and visits, including internationally. Pupils develop a deeper understanding of cultural issues and gain wider personal skills.

What the school should improve

  • Teachers, particularly in Year 7 and Year 8, do not always adapt the curriculum well enough so that all pupils with SEND can access new learning. Therefore, these pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school should make sure that teachers adapt the curriculum and teaching so that all pupils with SEND can achieve the best they can.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

145 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score46.6

46.6, 0.5 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths44.8%

44.8%, 0.6 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths71%

71%, 6.2 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc56.6%

56.6%, 16.1 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.15

4.15, 0.06 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

63 students

Average point score per A level entry30.66

30.66, 4.34 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

877 pupils on roll, with places for 1,200

Eligible for free school meals23.3%

23.3%, 3.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language10.9%

10.9%, 10.7 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.1%

14.1%, 0.7 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.1%

2.1%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Diss High School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Hartismere School4 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingAttainment 8: 53.0
The Harleston Sancroft Academy (a 3-16 Church of England School)8 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingAttainment 8: 42.7
Old Buckenham High School8 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 37.8
Stradbroke High School8 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 44.3
Long Stratton High School9 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardAttainment 8: 50.8

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
ENRICH LEARNING TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Sam Stopps
Address
Walcot Road, Diss, IP22 4DH
Local authority
Norfolk
URN
137092

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.