Downham Market Academy
85%
Capacity
1,333
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Downham Market Academy
Downham Market Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the King's Lynn and West Norfolk community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,333 pupils on roll and is well-filled (85% of 1,567 places).
Ofsted has rated Downham Market Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Natalie Paine, it falls under Norfolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.06 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 1659th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 7 in King's Lynn and West Norfolk.
Downham Market Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 293 applications for 219 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 242 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Downham Market Academy include Library, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Theatre, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Football, Gymnastics, Cross Country and 6 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Art Club, Young Enterprise, Book Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.8%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Downham Market Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Bexwell Road, Downham Market, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, PE38 9LL |
| Headteacher | Natalie Paine |
| Local Authority | Norfolk |
| Number of Pupils | 1,333 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,333 / 1,567 (85% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Apr 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Jun 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.06)
1659th of 3,141
Nationally
189th of 350
In East of England
3rd of 7
In King's Lynn and West Norfolk
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
31.4
'22/23
26.4
'23/24
35.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed219
293
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
242 families put this school as their 1st choice (83% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downham Market Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Bexwell Road, Downham Market
King's Lynn and West Norfolk, PE38 9LL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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