Hilgay Riverside Academy, Downham Market

In its own words: "Like the parable of the mustard seed, our children grow from tiny seeds to the greatest of trees. We provide our children with opportunity to grow; we deliver the challenge they need to become valuable members of the Christian community; we build respect for God's world and each other."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a small school where both staff and children work closely together. Our school fosters a family atmosphere which is reflected in our School Families. These are made up of children from each year group led by our Year 6s - the Family Leaders."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 70% of Year 6 pupils at Hilgay Riverside Academy 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 fell from 70% in reading and 70% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 5 families put Hilgay Riverside Academy as their first choice and 11 named it as one of their preferences, for 5 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 Hilgay Riverside Academy are Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 76% reading, 88% maths); Southery Academy (2.3 miles, Good, 54% reading, 69% maths); Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School (3.2 miles, Good, 83% reading, 86% maths); and Nelson Academy (3.4 miles, Good, 70% reading, 67% maths).

Hilgay Riverside Academy's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

Hilgay Riverside Academy is one of 38 schools run by Grace Schools, an academy trust.

34.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 1.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 22 pupils (29.3%) received SEN support and 4 (5.3%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

Hilgay Riverside Academy had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 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 Hilgay Riverside Academy.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is War Memorial (adjacent), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often burglary and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Norfolk (28).

In 2024/25, Hilgay Riverside Academy issued 4 suspensions, 5.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.