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School Open Days in Norfolk

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 4 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.

Norfolk County Council Applications:

Primary School Applications:
The online system is available from 23 September 2024 until 15 January 2025

Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 11 September until 31st October 2024

Norfolk Contacts:
Customer Services: 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:
3rd March 2025 – Secondary Schools
16th April 2025 – Primary Schools

 

City of Norwich School, An Ormiston Academy

“Known locally as CNS, City of Norwich School is a thriving secondary school and sixth form, located on Eaton Road in Norwich. Established in 1910, it has been a key part of the educational community in Norwich and Norfolk ever since.

The school’s motto, “Excellence in all,” captures its ambition to achieve the highest standards in everything it does. With a broad, balanced, and enriching curriculum, CNS is committed to helping every student reach their full potential academically, creatively, and personally.

The school is set within extensive grounds and enjoys outstanding facilities thanks to significant investment in recent years. The beautiful original building sits alongside a contemporary, purpose-built sixth form block, a stunning auditorium for music, dance, and drama and newly upgraded outdoor sports facilities.

Students benefit from a wide range of unique opportunities through partnerships with organisations such as the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Norfolk Music Hub, and the National Tennis Association. A rich, extensive co-curricular programme complements classroom learning and includes the Youth STEMM Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

We warmly invite you to come and see the school for yourself and meet our staff who take immense pride in their school and the pupils they teach, support and care for.”

 

Beeston Hall School

The average class size at Beeston is 12 pupils. Beeston is a small day and boarding school with a family feel, and a commitment that every child should flourish, wherever they are on the learning spectrum, underpinned by our values of purpose, resilience and empathy. Of the 21 British children who left Beeston in 2021, 9 have been made captains of house or school prefects, demonstrating the depth of understanding of those values. Both staff and pupils are incredibly proud of our school and visitors repeatedly comment on the unique atmosphere as well as the glorious setting.

We feel the best learning environment is one that suits the age and stage of the pupils, and the individual teacher’s teaching style, which means there is considerable freedom and variation in this. Pupils spend a considerable amount of time learning outside, whether it be drum lessons in the sunshine, geography lessons on the beach, or creative writing lessons at Walsingham. The atmosphere is inclusive, and one of purposeful endeavour where it is cool to work hard and children compete, whilst understanding we all have different strengths and gifts. Beeston pupils have competed on a national stage in the following sports over the last 9 years: hockey, cross county, cricket, swimming, athletics, shooting, sailing, pentathlon and fencing. The children go onto senior schools around the country, with an average of 60% winning scholarships, awards and/or bursaries to them, as a result of the holistic education they receive.”

 

Diss High School

“Diss High School is a vibrant school that cherishes its place in the heart of the local community of Diss and the surrounding villages. At Diss High we are committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment that empowers students to excel academically, grow personally, and contribute positively to society. Our motto is “work hard, be kind” and these are the two qualities that we emphasize to our students above all else. With a dedicated team of staff tirelessly guiding and supporting students on their educational journey, we believe in the importance of a holistic education that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms and provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events that cater to diverse interests.

Our Headteacher, Sam Stopps writes: “Following a Good Ofsted report in 2024, in March 2025 we were delighted to be named by the Sunday Times as the 5th happiest school in England based on parentview surveys to Ofsted over the last five years. We offer something very special to all our students as part of our learning community, but words only tell you so much. We invite you to see us in action.”

Contact details: www.disshigh.norfolk.sch.uk, Tel: 01379 642424, Email: office@disshigh.co.uk

 

Langley School

“Langley School is a forward-thinking, vibrant and inclusive community that nurtures each child's development, education, and individuality. We believe that every child should be known for who they are.

Our academic, pastoral and safeguarding teams are committed to ensuring that our pupils are well catered for both educationally and developmentally, whilst ensuring that safety remains our number one priority.

Offering a picturesque 100-acre woodland backdrop, Langley's Prep School caters for children from Reception to Year 8, whilst our purpose-built Bluebell Nurseries at Taverham (6 months - 4 years) and Loddon (2-4 years) in Norfolk welcome children all year round and accept up to 30 hours Government funding.

The school's curriculum ensures focus on emotional, physical, moral, and academic development, and the wide range of enrichment options allows children to further their interests.

Open Day Dates-

Prep School- 4th October

Senior and Sixth Form:  27th September

Book a private tour: langleyschool.co.uk

 

Unlock Her Potential: Experience Norwich High's Girls-First Education

“Choosing the right school is a significant decision and at Norwich High School for Girls GDST, we champion the transformative power of a girls-first education. As an all-through school, we offer a seamless journey for students from their very first steps in Reception right through to their exciting progression to university.

Imagine a place where every classroom, every club and every performance is designed specifically with girls in mind. Here, our students feel completely free to be themselves, to ask any question and to explore every subject with boundless curiosity. Without the distractions often found in mixed-gender settings, our girls achieve fantastic results, developing a genuine love for learning and confidently taking on new challenges.

But it's not just about academics. At Norwich High, we see students stepping into leadership roles from a young age. Every opportunity is theirs for the taking, fostering incredible confidence and resilience.

We invite you to experience the vibrant, supportive atmosphere that makes Norwich High so special. Come and see for yourself at our upcoming Open Morning on Saturday 27th September.

 Find out more and register via our website: www.norwichhigh.co.uk/open-events”

 

City Academy Norwich

“At City Academy Norwich we are committed to ensuring that every student can learn and succeed. We know that to achieve both good exam results and develop the characteristics needed for successful participation in modern life, that effective Teaching and Learning is the most important aspect of school life. Thus, teaching is our core business and every lesson at CAN is important.

We constantly develop our professional skills through weekly coaching and deliberate practice. By regularly reviewing and developing our practice, we can deliver the best possible learning experiences so that students can know more, remember more and do more.

We recognise and reward students who show courage by attempting tasks even if it means the possibility of making a mistake. We recognise and reward students who show curiosity by asking and answering questions in class. We recognise and reward kindness in the classroom when students show respect for other students' ideas and support one another through pair and group work.

CAN is a learning community: our approach is underpinned by the belief that we all need to be life-long learners and that when teachers and students work together, CAN is a place of achievement and success.”

 

Hewett Academy

“Hewett Academy is nestled on the edge of Norwich city centre. Promoting a love of learning, the school is blessed with outstanding and unrivalled facilities, and as part of the school rebuilding programme pupils that attend Hewett will be able to make use of new purpose-built learning spaces.

The school offers a wide range of excellent facilities across the 62-acre site, and puts great emphasis on the importance of sport, music, and the creative arts. As a result, pupils were recently chosen to exhibit at the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Exhibition.

Hewett Academy often teams up with sister schools – Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, to put on sell-out performances, giving students a taste of the stage and screen.

Rated Ofsted “Outstanding” for Personal Development and “Good” in all other categories, the school continues to go from strength to strength with improvements to results, behaviour and attendance. The school is proud to be one of the top schools for progress in the UK, meaning pupils at Hewett Academy achieve higher grades than others from a similar starting point.

They look forward to welcoming you to their Open Evening: 25th September, 5:30 – 8:30pm.”

 

King Edward VII Academy

“A school steeped in rich heritage, King Edward VII Academy has been at the centre of successful futures for thousands of students across its history.

The school is not just a place of learning, but the beating heart of the community. Staff at King Edward VII Academy hold the highest aspirations for every child and are proud of the young people that are in their care.

Pupils leave KES not only with strong academic foundations, but with confidence, ambition, and purpose, to be able to thrive in the next stage of their lives. Empowered to take their next steps into further education, training, or employment, the young people that attend King Edward VII Academy are inspired to dream big, work hard, and make meaningful contributions to their world.

From state-of-the-art science laboratories, through to the building of brand-new drama and music studios, 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, pupils at KES Academy make use of space on the field and all-weather pitch to hone their skills.

They look forward to welcoming you to their Open Evening: 24th September, 5:30 – 8pm.”

 

 

 

 

Thetford Academy

“Thetford Academy is a school that prides itself on teaching a curriculum that provides students with a thorough understanding of the world, teaching them to appreciate and admire their surroundings.

The school places great value in extracurricular activities and creates opportunities for pupils to take part in music, sports, and the arts. Recently visited by Ofsted in April 2025, “The school offers impressive opportunities for pupils’ personal development”. Pupils are encouraged to take part and explore a range of experiences as part of their time at Thetford Academy, developing them into knowledgeable and well-rounded young people.

At Thetford Academy, every pupil can succeed, and the school works hard to help each pupil realise their potential. High aspirations for students commit them to achieving outstanding progress, building resilience and empowering them to take on challenges without the fear of failure.

Pupils develop rapidly through their time at the school, giving them skills to be able to contribute to their community in Thetford, and beyond. Pupils make progress and achieve all that they are capable of at Thetford Academy.

They look forward to welcoming you to their Open Evening: 25th September: 5 – 7:30pm.”

 

Cromer Academy

“Cromer Academy, situated along the North Norfolk coast, is a school that is proud of the culture they have created. Promoting a clear vision of what they are looking to achieve, and expectations for staff and pupils, young people at the academy embody their values and live up to them every day.

The school teaches an academically rigorous curriculum that gives pupils the knowledge they need to live life to its full potential, alongside this, they offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to broaden horizons and give pupils the chance to try new things. Developing the whole person, pupils from Cromer Academy become responsible, active, and respectful citizens within their community.

Pupils at Cromer Academy make full use of their learning environment and can take advantage of the fantastic facilities on offer including, a new state-of-the-art 3G pitch (the first of its kind in North Norfolk!), modern fitness suite, and newly created outdoor spaces for pupils to use at break and lunch times.

Working hard to constantly improve, Cromer Academy has high expectations for pupils inspiring them to be exceptional without exception, through a lifelong love of learning.

They look forward to welcoming you to their Open Evening: 23rd September: 6:30 – 8pm.”

 

Old Buckenham High School

Located in the beautiful and historic village of Old Buckenham in Norfolk, Old Buckenham High School is proud to serve its local community with a warm, inclusive and ambitious ethos. Surrounded by countryside, we offer a calm and nurturing environment where every student is known, valued and supported to thrive.

Our school is built on strong values of Community, Ambition and Respect. We set high expectations, deliver a broad and engaging curriculum, and support every child to succeed both academically and personally. Our brilliant young people leave us confident, kind and ready for the world beyond school, equipped with the skills and character to make a difference.

At Old Buckenham High School, we believe that every young person deserves to flourish. With dedicated staff, enriching opportunities and a vibrant school culture, we help children grow into their best selves.

Join us for our Open Evening on Wednesday 17 September to explore our school, meet our staff and students, and hear from our Headteacher. Daytime tours will also be available during our Open Week, beginning Monday 22 September. To book your visit, please call the school office or email office@obhs.org.uk

 

Cliff Park Ormiston Academy

“The Governors, Principal, staff and students warmly welcome parents, guardians and prospective Year 7 students to our Open Evening on Thursday 2nd October from 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!”

 

Town Close School

“At Town Close, we pride ourselves on our unique and specialist offering for children aged three to thirteen.  We provide an unrivalled focus on this significant stage in a child’s development, ensuring that they have exposure to a full range of experiences, specialisms and interests that will allow them to develop their unique sense of self. Coupled with our outstanding facilities and spacious woodland site, each and every child has the space to grow and thrive in a safe and invigorating setting that truly cherishes childhood.

Strong foundations in the early years are proven to increase the likelihood of later success. Pupils at Town Close are provided with an invaluable foundation for a lifelong love of learning due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, smaller classes; an inspiring, independent curriculum; highly qualified specialist teaching; breadth of co-curricular opportunity; and extensive facilities.

We champion these formative years: enjoying every moment, noting every milestone, embracing every challenge and celebrating every success. Children leave here ready for the next steps, brimming with the knowledge and confidence to take on the world, ready for whatever it has in store.”

 

Norwich School

“Norwich School is an independent, co-educational day school for pupils between the ages of three and eighteen. Set in the beautiful grounds of the city’s historic Cathedral Close, the school is a traditional yet lively place to learn, nurturing in our pupils confidence, self-expression, warm and lasting relationships and a deep appreciation of learning. Norwich School consists of the Lower and Senior School. The Lower School is the base for 3-11 year old pupils (Pre-Reception - Year 6) and offers a happy and safe environment supported by specialist subject teachers and an excellent pastoral team, in which children can thrive.

For Primary age pupils, our state-of-the-art new classrooms, opened in May 2025, offer specialist learning facilities for Engineering, Art, IT, Robotics and Science. Children also benefit from our extensive outdoor education programme and outdoor classroom. In addition we offer a timetabled sports provision and an exciting range of clubs for the children to expand their interests and challenge themselves.

 Do join us at our Open Morning on Saturday 20 September or get in touch to enjoy an individual tour of the school.”

 

Stalham High

“At Stalham High, we believe that every student is capable of great independence and resilience — in their learning and in life. This belief is woven into every aspect of our school. Whether it’s through our engaging curriculum, our strong pastoral support, or the breadth of opportunity we offer beyond the classroom, our focus is on helping young people to flourish.

Our dedicated staff are passionate about delivering high-quality, research-informed teaching that challenges students and supports them to achieve their potential. From the moment students join us, we encourage them to work together, show respect, be ambitious and take responsibility.

Our recent Ofsted inspection (June 2024) recognised the strength of our provision, rating us ‘Good’ in all areas — a testament to the consistent dedication of our staff and the hard work of our students. So if you’re looking for a secondary school where your child will be known as an individual, valued, supported and stretched to achieve their best, then I warmly encourage you to come along to our Open Evening. You’ll have the chance to explore our facilities, meet our inspiring staff and students, and get a real sense of what life at Stalham High is all about.”

 

 

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!”

 

We would love to see you at our Open Evening on September 30th between 6pm and 8pm and our Open Mornings on October 7th and 8th between 9.15am and 10.30am.

 

To register for Open Mornings, please contact office@broadlandhighoa.co.uk

 

Mr M Sprake, Principal