The Norman Church of England Primary School, Northwold

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 2 to 11
Ofsted: Good

School Lane, Northwold, Thetford, IP26 5NBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Norman Church of England Primary School, Northwold is a primary school in Thetford for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. It ranks 5th of 18 primary schools in Thetford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 19 September 2023, report published 8 November 2023

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

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 September 2023

Many pupils enjoy attending this school. They are happy and feel safe here. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The school's ethos of valuing every child and every staff member shines through. Pupils study a broad and stimulating curriculum. Pupils enjoy their learning. The school and the trust have worked hard to ensure that learning is interesting. The school has high expectations. The vast majority of pupils rise to these expectations and now achieve well. Pupils' behaviour is a strength. They treat everyone kindly and with respect. The school's behaviour code of 'respectful, ready and safe' is promoted effectively in all aspects of school life. Pupils' learning is rarely disturbed. Pupils respond well to the various behaviour rewards that are available to them. They strive to earn the points awarded to them for their positive attitudes and behaviour. Older pupils help the younger children. They enjoy being lunchtime buddies, for example. Pupils help to decide how some areas of the school are organised. They hold various fundraising activities. Pupils value being able to help others in their local community. They elect members to represent their views on the school council.

What the school should improve

  • Pupils experience only a small number of visitors, trips and clubs. This means that opportunities for pupils to deepen their knowledge of the world and widen their interests are not being maximised. Pupils are not being as prepared for life in modern Britain as they might be. The school should provide pupils with increased opportunities that improve their cultural knowledge and personal development.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

12 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths75%

75%, 13 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score106

106, the same as the England average.

Maths, average scaled score106

106, 1 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score105

105, the same as the England average.

Pupil numbers and mix

101 pupils on roll, with places for 121

Eligible for free school meals21.8%

21.8%, 4.7 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language1%

1%, 20.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support23.8%

23.8%, 9 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan5%

5%, 1 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Norman Church of England Primary School, Northwold

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School2 milesOfsted judgements: Good47% met the expected standard
Gooderstone Church of England Primary Academy3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Mundford Church of England Primary Academy4 milesOfsted: Good60% met the expected standard
All Saints Academy4 milesOfsted: Good93% met the expected standard
Edmund de Moundeford VC Primary School, Feltwell4 milesOfsted: Good68% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
GRACE SCHOOLS
Age range
2 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Church of England
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Melanie Frost
Address
School Lane, Northwold, Thetford, IP26 5NB
Local authority
Norfolk
URN
140914

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.