Downham Market Academy
Bexwell Road, Downham Market, PE38 9LLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Downham Market Academy is a secondary school in Downham Market for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 37th of 53 secondary schools in Norfolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 26 April 2022, report published 21 June 2022
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 26 April 2022
Pupils agree that Downham Market Academy has improved considerably. They feel safe, more secure and happier. Pupils praise how their teachers take care of them. They know that there is always someone to talk to if they have a problem. Behaviour is good. Pupils usually participate enthusiastically in class. They work well in groups and independently. Most pupils say that teachers deal with less positive behaviours well. Most pupils say they have never been bullied. They know that if it happens, teachers resolve bullying quickly. Students in the sixth form are mature, articulate and respectful. Pupils enjoy learning. They appreciate their teachers. This is because teachers plan effectively, which helps pupils to learn well. Pupils are positive about the many clubs and other activities they attend. Sixth-form students feel very well supported. They receive the guidance they need to make appropriate choices about the future. Pupils say life at the school was not always like this but now things are much better. Most parents agree and many more want their children to go to Downham Market Academy.
What the school should improve
- Many parents acknowledge how the school has improved. A small minority do not support their views. Leaders acknowledge that some face-to-face communication channels were curtailed during the pandemic. As a result, some parents do not feel listened to, and they are less aware of some areas of life in school. Leaders need to liaise more closely and engage more positively with all stakeholders so that they are more informed about school life.
- Students in the sixth form have made a limited contribution to the school community to date. As a result, they have not had the opportunities to hone further useful life skills to support them in the next stage of their lives. Leaders need to enhance personal development in the sixth form to increase opportunities for students to take on pupil leadership and to make a greater contribution to the wider life of the school.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
201 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
36 students
Average A level grade C+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,329 pupils on roll, with places for 1,567
Schools near Downham Market Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceni Secondary Academy | 9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 39.0 |
| Thomas Clarkson Academy | 10 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 37.4 |
| The Wisbech Academy | 10 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| King's Lynn Academy | 10 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 39.1 |
| Vista Academy Littleport | 11 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 38.8 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- EASTERN LEARNING ALLIANCE
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Dr Natalie Paine
- Phone
- 01366389100
- Address
- Bexwell Road, Downham Market, PE38 9LL
- Local authority
- Norfolk
- URN
- 145196
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.