Hainford VC Primary School, Norwich

Ofsted's report card from its 13 January 2026 inspection grades Hainford VC Primary School on 7 areas: 7 strong standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Strong standard. "Pupils progress very well as they move through the school because the curriculum is of a high quality and implemented consistently well."

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders promote high attendance consistently and make sure everyone understands why it matters for pupils' learning."

Curriculum and teaching - Strong standard. "Leaders and staff have developed an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum."

Early years - Strong standard. "Children in the Reception Year learn alongside Year 1 pupils."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Staff follow clear processes to identify pupils' needs and raise concerns about their wellbeing, progress or development."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders have a clear and accurate understanding of the school's strengths and share ambitious plans for the future."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Pupils develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "• Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas. They should seek continued improvement, overcoming barriers and challenges, in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils. This includes disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are known (or previously known) to children's social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or well-being".

In 2024, 71% of Year 6 pupils at Hainford VC Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 59% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 72% and 67% in Norfolk and 76% and 74% across England.

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

For September 2026 entry, 11 families put Hainford VC Primary School as their first choice and 21 named it as one of their preferences, for 11 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Hainford VC Primary School are Frettenham Primary School (1.8 miles, Good, 78% reading, 67% maths); St Faiths CofE Primary School (2 miles, Good, 86% reading, 79% maths); Hevingham Primary School (2.4 miles, Good, 69% reading, 69% maths); and Buxton Primary School (2.4 miles, Outstanding, 68% reading, 68% maths).

34 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Hainford VC Primary School (as of April 2026): 97% 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 they are kept well informed about progress (88%).

15.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 16 pupils (22.2%) received SEN support and 5 (6.9%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

Hainford VC Primary School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 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 Hainford VC Primary School.

1 bus stop is within a five-minute walk; the closest is Old Church Rd (adjacent), 320 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).

Hainford VC Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.