Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School

About Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a small Church of England primary in Norfolk that clearly appeals to local families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 44 applications for just 16 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.75. Of those 44 applications, 21 were first-preference choices, and all 16 places went to first-preference families. That level of demand suggests parents who visit the school tend to be convinced by what they see. The school is rated Good by Ofsted across all five categories in its most recent 2023 inspection, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. With just 108 pupils on a capacity of 112, classes are small, which often means more individual attention. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.4%, slightly above the national average for primary schools, indicating a genuinely mixed intake.

Academically, Denver performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 69% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Norfolk primary average of 52%. That puts the school 7th out of 58 primary schools in the King's Lynn and West Norfolk area, comfortably in the top 15%. Pupils also achieved strong average scaled scores of 107 in both reading and maths. At the higher standard, 19% of pupils achieved that level in reading, writing and maths combined, while 44% hit the higher standard in maths alone. Progress scores are not published for this cohort, so it is not possible to say how much value the school adds relative to starting points, but the raw outcomes are solid. Ofsted noted that quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision are all Good, with no outstanding judgements.

The school offers a practical range of facilities including a sensory room, library, music rooms, an outdoor playground and a chapel. Sports provision covers netball, cross country, football, athletics, cricket and dance, while clubs include drama, science club, choir and gardening. The school has identified SEND support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. There is no nursery provision and no sixth form, as expected for a primary. Denver is a good fit for families who want a small, community-focused village school with strong academic results relative to the local area, and who are comfortable with its Church of England character. The oversubscription means applying as a first preference is essential.

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