Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School, Downham Market

In its own words: "At Hillcrest, we nurture a love of reading to empower the children to unlock the full wonders of the curriculum, supporting them to unleash their creativity and champion their independence, helping them to achieve their full potential."

In 2025, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 86% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Norfolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 79% in reading and 79% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 57 families put Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School as their first choice and 88 named it as one of their preferences, for 56 places offered. That is slightly more first choices than places. 2 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School are Nelson Academy (0.7 miles, Good, 70% reading, 67% maths); Wimbotsham and Stow Academy (1 mile, Good, 89% reading, 56% maths); Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 76% reading, 88% maths); and Hilgay Riverside Academy (3.2 miles, Good, 70% reading, 60% maths).

Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

9.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 38 pupils (9.4%) received SEN support and 12 (3%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School has a SEN unit for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and severe learning difficulties: 20 places, 14 pupils on roll.

The nearest railway station is Downham Market Rail Station, about 1.1 miles away in a straight line.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Hillcrest (adjacent), 250 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 43 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and other theft. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Norfolk (28), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School issued 3 suspensions, 0.7 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.