Old Buckenham High School
86%
Capacity
497
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Old Buckenham High School
Old Buckenham High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Breckland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 497 pupils on roll and is well-filled (86% of 575 places).
Ofsted has rated Old Buckenham High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paul Beale, it falls under Norfolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of 0.00 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.3. Additionally, ranked 1509th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 8 in Breckland.
Old Buckenham High School is a popular choice with families — it received 192 applications for 100 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 87 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Old Buckenham High School include Swimming Pool, Library, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Basketball, Rowing, Martial Arts, Badminton and 6 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Science Club, Choir, Model UN and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.9%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Breckland, Old Buckenham High School 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Abbey Road, Attleborough, Breckland, NR17 1RL |
| Headteacher | Paul Beale |
| Local Authority | Norfolk |
| Number of Pupils | 497 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.9% |
| School Capacity | 497 / 575 (86% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (29 Mar 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 19 Nov 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.00)
1509th of 3,141
Nationally
168th of 350
In East of England
4th of 8
In Breckland
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed100
192
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
87 families put this school as their 1st choice (45% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Buckenham High School
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
Abbey Road, Attleborough
Breckland, NR17 1RL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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