Nelson Academy
Nursery Road, Downham Market, PE38 9PFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Nelson Academy is a primary school in Downham Market for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 128th of 263 primary schools in Norfolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2016.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 30 November 2016, report published 12 January 2017
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 8 November 2022
Pupils learn and achieve well at Nelson Academy. They get on with one another and enjoy the company of their friends. Pupils are polite and friendly. This is a warm and welcoming school. Adults want pupils to be happy and feel safe. This is certainly the case. Adults expect pupils to do their best. Pupils work hard and behave well because adults set high standards. The school is calm and orderly. Lessons are rarely disrupted, which means pupils can concentrate on their work. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning and enjoy overcoming challenges. Bullying is very rare. Pupils are confident that if it happens, adults will help them make it stop quickly. Pupils know that everyone is different, but treat others as individuals, regardless of their culture or religion. Pupils have a wide range of opportunities to play an active role in the life of the school and local community. The 'Eco Club', for example, meets regularly. Its members work together and take positive action, such as promoting recycling, reducing litter and planting new trees. Pupils also enjoy a range of other clubs, such as theatre, choir and many sports clubs.
What the school should improve
- A small number of weaker readers in key stage 1 do not receive the precise support they need to help them to catch up. This slows down their progression and achievement. Leaders should ensure that the implementation of the new phonics programme is completed quickly, along with further training needed, so that effective support is provided for all pupils who need extra help to learn to read.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
57 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
386 pupils on roll, with places for 378
Schools near Nelson Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Wimbotsham and Stow Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 56% met the expected standard |
| Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 76% met the expected standard |
| Holy Cross Church of England Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 40% met the expected standard |
| Hilgay Riverside Academy | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 60% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- EASTERN MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Sarah Wilson
- Phone
- 01366383824
- Address
- Nursery Road, Downham Market, PE38 9PF
- Local authority
- Norfolk
- URN
- 140363
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.