The Parkside School, Norwich

  • Special
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 7 to 18
Ofsted: Outstanding

College Road, Norwich, NR2 3JAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Parkside School, Norwich is a special school in Norwich for ages 7 to 18. It is one of the 453 schools in Norfolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in October 2012.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 9 October 2012, report published 6 November 2012

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 May 2025

This school truly lives its motto of 'learn, grow, thrive'. Pupils are excited to arrive at school to see their friends and find out what they will be learning. They make exceptional progress over time, both academically and personally, because of the school's high expectations and the high-quality education it offers. Pupils develop strong communication skills. They become confident in navigating the world beyond Parkside, travelling and visiting other places. Many pupils leave with qualifications that set them up well for college or other next steps. The school is a happy and purposeful place of learning. Pupils focus well on what they are doing because of how well work is adapted to their needs. Playtime is a further extension of learning. The school has developed the limited space available to a high standard, and there are many different activities for pupils to engage with. They enjoy riding trikes, building houses, climbing and creating competitions. Behaviour is excellent. Pupils who find it hard to manage their emotions are supported well to learn strategies to help calm themselves and re-focus. Staff are expert at stopping negative behaviours escalating. Where pupils have hurt or upset others, pupils have bespoke ways to reflect with adults that helps them understand what went wrong. This helps to keep pupils safe.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

22 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 62 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

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

Pupil numbers and mix

199 pupils on roll, with places for 170

Eligible for free school meals56.8%

56.8%, 30.3 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language6%

6%, 15.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Parkside School, Norwich

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Red Balloon Educational Trust-Norfolk0.3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
The Clare School0.6 milesOfsted: Outstanding0% met the expected standard
Eaton Hall Specialist Academy1 mileOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
Harford Manor School, Norwich1 mileOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
Future Education1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 0.8

School details

School type
Foundation special school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
7 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mrs Carolyn Ellis-Gage
Address
College Road, Norwich, NR2 3JA
Local authority
Norfolk
URN
121262

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.