Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery, Thetford

Ofsted's report card from its 17 March 2026 inspection grades Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery on 7 areas: 6 strong standard and 1 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders have high expectations for attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Strong standard. "Leaders have a precise and insightful understanding of the quality of the curriculum and teaching."

Early years - Strong standard. "The early years is a hive of joyous learning."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Inclusion sits at the heart of the school's work."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders at both school and trust level are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who face other barriers to their learning."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "The school has ensured a well-developed and effectively delivered programme of personal, social and health education, including relationships and health education."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils achieve well across the curriculum."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to support staff to provide a range of opportunities for pupils to be stretched and to deepen their learning so they can reach the higher standards of achievement more consistently".

From the headteacher's welcome: "Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery is a small and vibrant village school where children are enthusiastic and motivated to achieve endless possibilities."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include Lego and sewing.

In 2025, 82% of Year 6 pupils at Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery reached the expected standard in reading and 76% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Norfolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 75% in reading and 67% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 11 families put Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery as their first choice and 27 named it as one of their preferences, for 12 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 Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery are Thompson Primary School (2.9 miles, Requires improvement, 100% reading, 100% maths); Caston Church of England Primary Academy (3.2 miles, Good, 55% reading, 73% maths); Rocklands Community Primary School (3.3 miles, Good, 100% reading, 93% maths); and East Harling Primary School and Nursery (4.9 miles, Good, 70% reading, 63% maths).

Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 3 schools.

Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery is one of 23 schools run by Sapientia Education Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 67% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

30 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery (as of April 2026): 100% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that pupils behave well (93%).

15.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (87%) and Mixed (9%).

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery.

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is post office (opposite), 230 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 0 crimes within a mile of the school. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Norfolk (28).

Great Hockham Primary School and Nursery recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.