Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School, Thetford

From the headteacher's welcome: "At the Duchy of Lancaster C of E Primary School we aim to be a bit better than the best school in the world because that is what our children deserve. In doing this we will prepare all children for the next stage of their education and beyond."

In 2025, 53% of Year 6 pupils at Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 60% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Norfolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (58% in reading, 50% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 9 families put Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School as their first choice and 22 named it as one of their preferences, for 10 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School are The Norman Church of England Primary School, Northwold (2 miles, Good, 92% reading, 92% maths); Edmund de Moundeford VC Primary School, Feltwell (2.5 miles, Good, 86% reading, 82% maths); All Saints Academy (3.7 miles, Good, 93% reading, 100% maths); and Iceni Primary Academy (4.1 miles, 90% reading, 90% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School.

Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School is one of 38 schools run by Grace Schools, an academy trust.

16 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School (as of September 2025): 88% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 75% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that they are kept well informed about progress (100%); the weakest, that the school supports their child's wider development (75%).

8.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 18 pupils (19.8%) received SEN support and 8 (8.8%) 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 autism.

Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cross (opposite), 100 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 3 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences and drug offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Norfolk (28).

In 2024/25, Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School issued 26 suspensions, 30.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.