Classpot

Hellesdon High School

Broadland, NR6 5SBSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Requires Improvement
Oct 2023
Progress 8
-0.49
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.8×
Not oversubscribed
182 1st-choice / 223 places
Ranking
#2,599
of 3,141 nationally

About Hellesdon High School

Hellesdon High School is a popular choice among local families, with 344 applications for 223 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.54. Of those applications, 182 were first-preference choices, indicating that many parents actively want their child to attend. The school is a large mixed secondary and sixth form in Broadland, Norfolk, with 1,523 pupils on roll — well above its official capacity of 1,290. A quarter of its students (26.1%) are eligible for free school meals, which is higher than the national average. However, the most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated the school as Requires Improvement overall, a downgrade from its previous Good rating in 2012. The inspection report flagged behaviour and attitudes as a particular concern, though leadership and management, quality of education, personal development, and sixth-form provision were all rated Good. This mixed picture helps explain why the school remains oversubscribed despite the overall rating.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
Address187 Middletons Lane, Norwich, Broadland, NR6 5SB
HeadteacherHelen Watts
Local AuthorityNorfolk
Number of Pupils1,523
Free School Meals (FSM)26.1%
School Capacity1,523 / 1,290 (118% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

3 Oct 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 20 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Swimming PoolArt StudiosTennis CourtsTheatreAstro TurfMusic RoomsICT SuiteGymnasiumChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

Martial ArtsBadmintonRowingHockeyTennisRoundersRugbyFootball

Clubs & Activities

DebateEco ClubDramaModel United NationsScience ClubDuke of EdinburghYoung Enterprise

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:25 – 14:55

Breakfast club

08:00-08:25

Source: hellesdon.net. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hellesdon High School

Hellesdon High School has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.