Mile Cross Primary School

About Mile Cross Primary School

Mile Cross Primary School is a state-funded, mixed-gender primary in Norwich that is currently running very close to its full capacity of 470 pupils, with 462 on roll. The school serves a community with a notably high level of disadvantage: 40.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is well above the national average for primary schools. Demand for places is strong — for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 117 applications for just 58 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.02. Of those, 66 were first-preference applications, and all 58 first-preference offers were taken up, which tells you this is a school local families are actively choosing. The school also offers nursery provision for children from age three, so it can be a long-term option for families starting early. Headteacher Stuart Allen leads a school that has clearly built a strong reputation in the area, and the numbers suggest it’s a popular choice among Norwich parents.

Academically, Mile Cross is performing well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 67% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Norfolk local authority average of just 52%. The school ranks 4th out of 22 primary schools in Norwich on this measure, placing it in the top 20% locally. Pupils also achieved strong average scores of 104 in both reading and maths, and 25% reached the higher standard in each of those subjects. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in December 2024, confirmed that standards are being maintained at Outstanding — the same rating it received in its previous graded inspection in November 2017, when leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness were all judged Outstanding. The early years provision remains Outstanding, which is reassuring for families with younger children.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a sports hall, dining hall, ICT suite, sensory room and a chapel. Sports on offer include athletics, cross country, swimming and netball, while clubs extend to eco club, gardening, science club and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, Mile Cross has a broad SEND offer covering specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language needs, hearing and visual impairments, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive: 93% of respondents to the Parent View survey would recommend the school, and 95% agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy there. The school is oversubscribed, so families should be prepared to apply early and list it as a first preference. It’s a strong fit for families who want a well-regarded, inclusive primary with proven academic outcomes and a clear community feel.

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