Norwich Road Academy

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding

Norwich Road, Thetford, IP24 2HTOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Norwich Road Academy is a primary school in Thetford for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 8th of 18 primary schools in Thetford. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in October 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 22 October 2024, report published 25 November 2024

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

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

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

Pupils enjoy coming to school. This is because the school is a caring community. Pupils enjoy the friendly atmosphere in class and during social times. Staff build warm relationships with pupils. Pupils feel valued and safe. They know that if they have a worry, the adults will help them. The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve and how they behave. Pupils live up to these expectations. They follow the 'Norwich Road Academy Way' routines. These routines help pupils to listen to the staff and learn as much as possible. Pupils listen carefully and enjoy their learning. This helps pupils to become confident readers and mathematicians. Pupils have access to a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom. These opportunities have been carefully put together to help pupils connect to the diverse, wider community. Pupils take on roles, such as being a lunchtime helper or by working on projects to take care of the environment. They take part in musical performances at large, local events. These opportunities help pupils to feel valued and supported. Pupils enjoy being able to develop their leadership skills and cultural awareness.

What the school should improve

  • In a small number of subjects, the curriculum needs further embedding. As a result, not all lessons maximise pupils' opportunities to learn. The school should continue to support staff to consistently apply the school's teaching methods and make sure all pupils learn the curriculum effectively.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

43 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 maths5%

5%, 3 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score103

103, 3 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

317 pupils on roll, with places for 472

Eligible for free school meals27.8%

27.8%, 1.3 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language51.1%

51.1%, 29.5 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support21.5%

21.5%, 6.7 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan8.2%

8.2%, 2.2 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Norwich Road Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Drake Primary School0.5 milesReport card: Needs attention to strong standard40% met the expected standard
Raleigh Infant Academy0.6 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Admirals Academy0.6 milesOfsted: Good57% met the expected standard
The Bishop's Church of England Primary Academy0.7 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to good27% met the expected standard
Redcastle Family School0.7 milesOfsted: Good70% 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 Julia Miles
Address
Norwich Road, Thetford, IP24 2HT
Local authority
Norfolk
URN
145029

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.