North Denes Primary School and Nursery

About North Denes Primary School and Nursery

North Denes Primary School and Nursery is a state-funded, mixed primary school in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, for children aged 2 to 11. It currently has 395 pupils on roll against a capacity of 420, so it is running close to full. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 41.5%, which is significantly higher than the national average and signals a catchment with considerable socio-economic challenge. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 73 applications for 36 places, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of just over two applicants per place. Of those, 29 were first-preference applications, and all 29 received offers. This level of local demand suggests that families in the area view the school positively, despite the wider context of a local authority where only 21 out of 344 primary schools are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Academically, North Denes performs solidly within its local context. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 62% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is ten percentage points above the local authority average of 52%. The school ranks 9th out of 27 primary schools in Great Yarmouth and sits in the 52nd percentile nationally, placing it in the middle of the pack across England. In individual subjects, 84% reached the expected standard in both reading and maths, with average scores of 108 and 106 respectively. Higher-attaining pupils are less numerous: only 6% achieved the higher standard in the combined measure, though 44% did so in reading alone. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in January 2023, rated it Good overall and Good across all five categories, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. This represents a consistent rating compared with its previous 2018 inspection, which was also Good overall.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a sports hall, art studios, music rooms and a dining hall, and pupils can take part in sports such as swimming, football, athletics and netball, as well as clubs like coding, chess, eco club and film club. For children with additional needs, North Denes provides support for a wide spectrum of conditions, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech, language and communication needs, social, emotional and mental health difficulties, and physical disabilities. The school also has a nursery provision, making it a viable option for families seeking continuity from age 2 through to Year 6. Given its strong local demand, above-average KS2 outcomes relative to the LA, and consistent Good Ofsted rating, North Denes is a pragmatic choice for Great Yarmouth families who want a well-subscribed community school with solid academic foundations and inclusive support.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About North Denes Primary School and Nursery

Helpful Guides for Parents