Garboldisham Church of England Primary Academy

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 5 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Church Road, Garboldisham, Diss, IP22 2SEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Garboldisham Church of England Primary Academy is a primary school in Diss for ages 5 to 11. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 116th of 263 primary schools in Norfolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 7 November 2023, report published 12 December 2023

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

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 November 2023

Pupils thrive in this supportive school. They are extremely proud to be part of their small caring community. There is a highly inclusive ethos. Everyone is supported to be involved in all aspects of school life. Pupils relish the many opportunities to develop their leadership skills and take on roles of responsibility, such as house captain, librarian or school council member. Younger pupils aspire to these because older pupils act as excellent role models. Pupils know they can make a positive difference to their school and enjoy debating the different ways they can do so. Pupils celebrate their differences and achievements. They firmly believe that everyone should be welcomed and treated equally. This permeates the school as pupils support one another and constantly show each other mutual respect. Everyone remembers the school rules. Pupils conduct and attitudes are exemplary. Pupils take pride in their work and want to achieve their best. Pupils love the sports activities and 'fun things' they do that broadens their experiences, as well as complementing their learning. All pupils benefit from high-quality music lessons and learn to play the guitar and trumpet well. Pupils feel thoroughly supported and prepared for their next stage in life.

What the school should improve

  • In recently reviewed areas of the curriculum, pupils have not learned enough of the content to understand the new learning. There are instances where pupils remember the activity rather than the essential knowledge intended. This means that pupils do not have all the knowledge they need to integrate into larger ideas as they progress through the curriculum. In these areas, leaders should continue to review the approaches used to teach key knowledge and check pupils learning is secure, so that they can confidently incorporate new knowledge into wider learning across the curriculum.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

12 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths58%

58%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths8%

8%, the same as the England average.

Reading, average scaled score102

102, 4 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score101

101, 4 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

72 pupils on roll, with places for 105

Eligible for free school meals15.3%

15.3%, 11.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language2.8%

2.8%, 18.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support9.7%

9.7%, 5.1 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.8%

2.8%, 3.2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Garboldisham Church of England Primary Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Hopton Church of England Primary Academy2 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodNot published
St Andrew's CofE VA Primary School, Lopham2 milesOfsted: Requires improvementNot published
East Harling Primary School and Nursery3 milesOfsted: Good40% met the expected standard
Kenninghall Primary School3 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standard63% met the expected standard
Barningham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School4 milesOfsted judgements: Good50% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy sponsor led
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE DIOCESE OF NORWICH ST BENET'S MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
5 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Church of England
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mr Mark Carlyle
Address
Church Road, Garboldisham, Diss, IP22 2SE
Local authority
Norfolk
URN
148237

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.