Downham Market Academy, Downham Market

In its own words: "We have a passion for ambitious and outstanding learning; we strive to succeed We are dynamic explorers with expectations to become experts in all fields of study We have a strong work ethic to fulfil our dreams and strive for outstanding academic success"

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are an ambitious school that has high aspirations and expectations for our students. We want to provide an education that is challenging yet accessible and relevant to the young people in our care. We want to inspire them to become life-long learners that empowers them to be valuable members of society."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, tennis, drama, chess, coding, art and philosophy.

In 2026, pupils at Downham Market Academy averaged an Attainment 8 score of 42.5, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 45 in Norfolk and 47 across England.

33% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 43% in Norfolk and 47% in England.

That is down from 43.8 in 2025.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.06: pupils made about average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 35.4, against 45.6 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 10.2 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 22 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, Geography and Hospitality and Catering.

For September 2026 entry, 175 families put Downham Market Academy as their first choice and 248 named it as one of their preferences, for 193 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

Downham Market Academy is one of 8 schools run by Eastern Learning Alliance, an academy trust.

Across the trust's secondary schools, pupils averaged an Attainment 8 score of 54.7 in 2024/25.

Of the 197 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 84% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 59% to a further education college, 3% to an apprenticeship and 5% into work.

Of the 47 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 43% went on to university or other higher education, 4% to apprenticeships and 38% into work. 5% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

6.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The nearest railway station is Downham Market Rail Station, about 1 mile away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is High School (outside), 110 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 47 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, other theft and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Norfolk (28), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Downham Market Academy issued 286 suspensions, 21.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 4 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Downham Market Academy are Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School (0.2 miles); Nelson Academy (0.6 miles); Wimbotsham and Stow Academy (1.1 miles); and Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School (1.1 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.