Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Norfolk School Open Days
Norfolk – School Directory
We know that this is a unique time in the school life of Year 6 pupils who are looking forward to their move to secondary but also may be nervous at the prospect of such a big change. With this in mind, schools across the region will shortly be hosting open events in order for you to have face-to-face visits with them and find out all the information you need to make the very important decision about which school to send your child to.
To find an Ofsted inspection report about an individual state maintained school visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk. For independent schools, inspection reports can be found on the Independent Schools Inspectorate website by visiting www.isi.net.
Catchment areas
Although most pupils end up applying to the school in their catchment area, there are some schools that do not operate designated areas and have a slightly different admissions policy. So, it is worth checking the admissions policy on each school’s website for further information. If you are considering applying to a local independent school, it will have its own separate admissions procedure.
Catchment Areas in Norfolk: To find the designated school for your area visit www.whereilive.norfolk.gov.uk – School Catchments or http://maps.norfolk.gov.uk/schoolcatchments/schools.aspx
Applying to a School out of Catchment Area: You’ll be asked to list up to 3 state schools in order of preference on your application form. Whether a place is offered will depend on the school’s admission process and if places are available. For most schools in Norfolk, there is an admissions priority for children who live in the school’s catchment area.
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The Application Process
Submit your application for a primary or secondary school place online. An email receipt will confirm that the application has been received.
In a separate box
Norfolk County Council Applications:
Primary School Applications:
The online system is available from 25th September 2023 until 15 January 2024
Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 11th September 2023 until 31st October 2023
Norfolk Contacts:
Education helpline: 0344 800 8020
Online applications: www.admissionsonline.norfolk.gov.uk
Email: admissions@norfolk.gov.uk
Allocation Days
The dates when school places are officially confirmed are:
1 March 2024 – Secondary Schools
16th April 2024 – Primary Schools
Known locally as CNS, the City of Norwich School, an Ormiston Academy, is a secondary school and Sixth Form on Eaton Road in Norwich. The school was established in 1910 and has been a key part of the educational landscape of Norwich and Norfolk ever since. The school is very proud of its cultural heritage, and it remains loyal to its historic roots whilst continuously regenerating and redefining itself to meet the needs of all members of its school community. The school was established in 1910 and has been a key part of the educational landscape of Norwich and Norfolk ever since. The school is very proud of its cultural heritage, and it remains loyal to its historic roots whilst continuously regenerating itself to meet the needs of all members of its school community.
The school motto of “excellence in all” reflects its vision of achieving the very highest standards in everything it does. The broad, balanced and enriching curriculum aims to enable every child to maximise their potential and grow in academic and creative depth as well as confidence and happiness. Students benefit from a number of unique opportunities such as the school’s partnership with the London Guildhall School for Music and Drama and the Norfolk Music Hub. The extensive co-curricular programme is an integral part of the whole curriculum offer and includes the Youth STEMM Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The next open evening is Thursday 5th October.
For more info visit www.cns-school.org/open-evening
Meet the Headteacher
Alison Sefton has been Head of Norwich High School for Girls since 2020.
Can you tell us about your background?
I have enjoyed a varied career path - finance in City banks to chemistry teaching and leadership in independent schools via a stint with the Territorial Army in Iraq. I am passionate about giving young women opportunities to thrive and succeed, preparing students for life beyond school.
What is Norwich High School for Girls like?
Building confidence, ambition and resilience is at the heart of what we do. Norwich High School for Girls is a very warm place, where each girl is known and supported. As well as a full programme of music, drama and sport, we facilitate over 100 clubs and extra-curricular activities – from F24 racing to debating, robotics and the Model United Nations.
Can you tell us a fun fact?
We have two school dogs: Casper, a yellow Labrador, in the Senior School, and Ivy, a Portuguese Water Dog, in the Sixth Form. There are lots of benefits including reducing stress, offering students and staff a good reason to go for a lunchtime walk in our woodland grounds and enhancing the family-feel of our school.
Nestling on the edge of Norwich city centre, Hewett Academy is a small but mighty school that promotes a love of learning, with Ofsted praising them for their ‘culture of high expectations’.
The school offers a wide range of excellent facilities across its impressive 62 acre site and puts great emphasis on the importance of sport, music, and the creative arts, and as a result they were recently chosen to exhibit at the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Exhibition.
The Hewett Academy often teams up with sister schools - Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form to put on sell-out performances which they are able to host in their very own Walter Roy Theatre, giving their students a taste of the stage and screen.
Rated Ofsted ‘Good’, the school continues to go from strength-to-strength, continually seeing its results, behaviour and attendance increase year-on-year inline with national averages across all areas.
A real asset to the community, the academy has a brilliant ‘Friends Of’ group with students and families getting fully involved in all aspects of school life.
They look forward to welcoming you to their Open Evening: 26th September: 6pm - 8.30pm
A school steeped in rich heritage, King Edward VII Academy has been at the centre of numerous successful futures for thousands upon thousands of students, including Dr Thusin de Silva who went on to receive an MBE for his work in the department of infectious diseases.
With a belief that every child deserves an excellent education, KES Academy prides itself on setting high expectations. They support their students to achieve their biggest ambitions, helping them to obtain excellent outcomes alongside resilience and the desire to embrace all that life has to offer.
And… the facilities are second to none, too. Since joining Inspiration Trust in 2022, the academy has received a significant investment of £3.3 million to ensure the beautiful Grade II listed building has everything today’s modern student would desire. From the installation of state-of-the-art science laboratories through to the building of brand new drama and music studios (complete with soundproofing, music decks and a designated performance space), as well as a beautiful new library, much of the school has been transformed to provide students with a first-class curriculum.
With a superb reputation for sports, KES Academy has been at the heart of its community for over 500 years with everyone looking forward to warmly welcoming you to the Open Evening: 26th September 6pm-8pm
Wayland Academy is a community school dedicated to widening the world of every single one of its students, both academically and culturally.
As a school, Wayland Academy instils that ‘there are no shortcuts and there are no excuses’, promoting a culture of high expectations to achieve fantastic results - of which they recently achieved their best ever set of GCSE grades.
Dedicated to striving ahead and creating a brighter future for Watton, the academy’s curriculum is designed with long-term learning in mind, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in adulthood. Students are empowered to fulfil their ambitions and the school intends to give every pupil the same chances, no matter their starting point.
Wayland Academy is proud to complement students’ academic learning with a vast programme of enrichment opportunities which include trips, visits, events, and a wealth of out-of-the-classroom activities.
Renowned for its Duke of Edinburgh provision, Wayland Academy consistently has one of the highest completion rates in the country supporting students to develop a wide range of essential skills that are highly respected by the community and employers alike.
Want to know more? Go along to their Open Evening: 2nd October 2pm - 8pm
Thetford Academy is an expanding secondary school that is at the academic and cultural heart of its community. It is an academy that prides itself on teaching a curriculum that provides students with a thorough understanding of the world, teaching them to appreciate and admire all of the beautiful things around them.
Placing great value in music, sport and arts, the academy prioritises the need to provide its pupils with a vast array of experiences to encourage them to explore opportunities and actively participate in a range of subjects, all while offering outstanding facilities, including: a modern sports hall, fitness suite and an all-weather, multi-use games area.
Thetford Academy believes that every child can succeed and therefore their primary goal is to help each pupil realise their potential. Students are expected to commit to achieving outstanding progress and are empowered to take on challenges without the fear of failure.
Thetford Academy pupils are polite, considerate, hardworking and disciplined with Ofsted stating that students ‘feel valued and cared for’.
Having recently achieved their best-ever GCSE results, the school is going from strength-to-strength and is looking forward to inviting you to its Open Evening on Thursday 28th September 6-8pm.
Broadland High Ormiston Academy
“As Principal at Broadland High Ormiston Academy, I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and committed group of staff and students who bring the very best out in each other and make Broadland the special place that it is.
We are an ambitious and caring community, with an unwavering commitment to support every student to grow and flourish, fulfil their potential and achieve their hopes and ambitions for the future. We place our students at the very heart of every decision, ensuring that we provide a safe, happy and inspiring learning environment.
From the very first moment students make a decision to choose our school to the moment they take their first steps into further education or training we meticulously plan a rich, cohesive curriculum and pastoral support structure that will lead students calmly and confidently through the changes involved in becoming young adults.
It is a privilege to be the Principal of this exceptional academy and I would like to invite you to visit us in person so that you can see for yourself the unique qualities that Broadland has to offer!”
Mr M Sprake, Principal
Norwich School is an independent, co-educational day school for pupils between the ages of four and eighteen.
Set in the beautiful grounds of the city’s historic Cathedral Close, the school is a traditional yet lively place to learn and combines a vibrant, imaginative culture with values of scholarship and mutual respect.
The School’s special character nurtures confidence, self-expression, warm and lasting relationships and a deep appreciation of learning.
Norwich School consists of their Lower and their Senior School. The Lower School is the base for their 4-11 year-old pupils (Reception - Year 6), while the Senior School caters for the 11-18 age range (Years 7-13).
"Education has been part of life in and around Norwich's Cathedral Close for over 900 years. We are proud to continue this rich tradition as we prepare young people for 21st century life: the Cathedral oversees our busy lives and underpins the sense of stability with which our surroundings counter-balance the energy of this thoroughly modern co-educational urban day school.”
Steffan Griffiths, Headteacher
Find out more at their Open Morning on Saturday 23 September.
Visit norwich-school.org.uk/admissions/register-for-an-event to register.
“The Governors, Principal, staff and students warmly welcome parents, guardians and prospective Year 7 students to their Open Evening on Thursday 5th October at 5.30pm to 8pm.
Cliff Park Ormiston Academy is a very special school where your child will be safe, happy and where they will achieve success.
We are incredibly proud of our academy; the achievements of our amazing students, our excellent staff and our facilities. At Cliff Park, everyone strives for excellence every day – in big moments of academic achievement and extra-curricular success as well as in small moments of self-discovery, perseverance, respect and community.
We strive to ensure that there is something special for everyone, offering an exceptional range of extra-curricular and enrichment choices.
This is a great time to come and study at Cliff Park Ormiston Academy and we would encourage you to visit to explore the boundless opportunities on offer. Tours will be taking place throughout the evening with presentations made by the Principal at 5.30pm and 7pm.
The future is filled with possibilities, and you will be afforded a warm welcome!”
City Academy Norwich is a dynamic, nurturing and inclusive school at the heart of the community. They strive to ensure every child, irrespective of their starting point, has the opportunity to achieve by expanding, enriching and broadening their horizons.
They offer a broad, engaging curriculum, together with a wide range of enrichment experiences beyond the classroom, to fire the imagination and bring learning to life. They provide a stimulating, vibrant environment where students can explore, discover and create through teaching based on finding imaginative, innovative solutions to problems and challenges.
Their holistic approach is focused on the development of the whole child, supporting their well-being, promoting leadership skills and recognising that everyone has their own individual strengths and talents; they aim to ensure these are developed to their full potential, so that the students can become the best versions of themselves.
They promote a strong sense of self-worth in all our students through consistently high expectations, and encourage them to take pride in their appearance and their school community.
They are committed to developing confident, ambitious and skilled young people who will be valuable members of society and make a positive difference to their communities.
Go and meet the staff and students at their Open Evening on Thursday 28 September from 4.30-7.30pm. Visit www.canorwich.org
“At Langley School, we promise to know your child for who they are, not who others think they should be.
In our sprawling, 100-acre grounds your child will have space to explore, think and play.
There are opportunities around every corner, for them to find out who they really are.
We promise that the progress we help your child to achieve, will never be at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.
Based in Taverham, Langley Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School caters for children aged 6 months to
13 years (Year 8). At Langley Park in Loddon, you will find Langley Senior School, and Boarding House for pupils and students aged 10 – 18 (Year 6 - Upper Sixth).
Come and find out more about how we recognise that your child’s time at school is so precious… and how we promise to never forget that.”
Open Day:
Loddon: Saturday 30th September, 9.30am – 12.30pm – Years 6 – Upper Sixth.
Taverham: Saturday 7th October, 9.30am – 12pm- Nursery – Year 8.
Wymondham High Academy is, consistently, one of the highest performing schools in Norfolk. The school's vision is to develop happy and successful people who accept responsibility, demonstrate determination and act with humility - and Wymondham High is always a popular choice with families from Wymondham and the surrounding towns and villages. The school has received commendation from the Secretary of State regarding the numbers of students who achieve the International Baccalaureate and its commitment to language learning for all. In addition to academic success, students at Wymondham benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular activities and excursions.
Wymondham High Academy pride themselves on the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum offer that is supplemented by numerous other opportunities such as the very popular Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and clubs in music, sports and STEM subjects, along with many trips both locally and overseas. Its thriving Sixth Form has been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted and the majority of students will undertake a seven-year curriculum journey from year 7 through to year 13 at Wymondham High School. The school is fully inclusive and has the highest aspirations and expectations of all students. Students are rewarded for hard work, effort and achievement - and their successes are celebrated in a warm, supportive and nurturing school community.
Open Evening is Tuesday 26 September 2023 5pm to 7.30pm
Please see website for further details www.wymondhamhigh.co.uk or email admissions@wh-at.net
“Old Buckenham High School is located in the beautiful and historic village of Old Buckenham in Norfolk. Our school benefits from being within a stunning, rural setting; with a drive and focus on ensuring our students are provided with every opportunity to become successful members of society.
We are a strong community school in which mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation is at the heart of our values. We support, nurture and encourage our students throughout their learning journey with us.
At our school, the individual is recognised, and all students are expected to be part of a can-do culture and ultimately be successful and achieve their full potential.
As you grow, so does the world around you. Old Buckenham High School is dedicated to preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our rigorous academic programs, leadership opportunities, and career guidance ensure that our students step into the future with confidence.
We invite you to be a part of the Old Buckenham High School family. It's an exciting time to join us as we embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and transformation together. Your future starts here, and the possibilities are endless.”
“Attleborough Academy is a popular 11 to 18 Academy which is continually developing to meet the demands of providing the highest quality education for all students.
The Academy joined the Sapientia Education Trust (SET) in June 2020 and just before Easter 2023, we were pleased to announce that we have achieved the World Class School Quality Mark which is a tribute to all in our community. We are one of only 120 non-selective schools nationally to achieve this ‘World Class school’ status.
We are an inclusive, friendly and effective learning community with high aspirations and a reputation for innovation. Excellent relationships between students and staff are at the heart of the ethos of the Academy and are often commented on by those who visit the school. In our most recent Ofsted Inspection (2021), we were termed a ‘special place to be’. The Academy is a hardworking and caring community of people with high standards and high expectations. Our core values are Commitment, Acknowledgement, Respect and Excellence (CARE). CARE therefore has a genuine meaning within our school as we want these values to be seen in all aspects of our work together.
Please visit our website for more information.”
“Fakenham is a kind and ambitious community with staff, pupils and parents all determined to ensure pupils reach their full potential. Students will benefit from a wide range of subjects taught by specialist staff throughout the school and Sixth Form. Over the past 2 years the school has significantly invested in its facilities including a new Astro turf and IT provision to ensure we meet our aim of offering a world class education for all. We have extensive extra- curricular, leadership and enrichment opportunities In all year groups so all pupils have a holistic education offer. We firmly believe that a strong pastoral care is a vital ingredient in making pupils successful and therefore provide support throughout their time at the school.”
“Wymondham College is nestled on 83-acres surrounded by stunning Norfolk countryside, an idyllic backdrop to live and learn, and close to the historic city of Norwich. Positioned in the East of England, it is well connected with air, rail, and road access.
Graded Outstanding by Ofsted, its academic achievements are amongst the highest in the country, complemented by an extensive enrichment programme and international trips that expand horizons and deepen learning.
Wymondham College is the largest co-educational state boarding and day school in the UK, welcoming students from ages 11 to 18 with a prep school for children from age 4 and boarding for children from age 9. Our boarding house structure means students belong to a smaller community where pastoral and wellbeing support ensures every child is known and cared for.
Its World Class status reflects the high-quality, all-round education students receive for free, many going onto Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell group universities. Considering all these aspects of such a unique College, it is fantastic value for money and with the College’s charity status, there is a modest boarding fee.
The College is steeped in a rich heritage and cherishes its history, while continuing to innovate and lead education nationally.”
Wymondham College Prep School is one of only two primary state boarding schools in the UK. The school was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in June 2023, a school where, “Pupils quickly develop a love of learning. Stimulating and engaging learning activities spark their curiosity. Staff have the highest aspiration for pupils.”
The school motto is 'Try Hard, Be Kind, Be You', which Ofsted recognised, “…is not just a motto – it is the lived experience of pupils.” The school is ambitious, providing a rigorous, knowledge-rich curriculum that follows well researched schemes of work. The school puts a great emphasis on high academic standards as well as developing the ‘whole child’ through its broad personal development programme, Prep Life.
The school puts relationships, wellbeing and belonging at the heart of everything it does. It believes all children can thrive when nurtured and guided to love the challenge of learning, developing and growing.
The school’s boarding provision for some Year 5 & Year 6 pupils adds a special dimension to its learning community. Offering homely, modern accommodation, Underwood Hall is a place where boarders benefit from all the amenities and facilities Wymondham College provides, preparing students for life as a secondary school boarder.