Nelson Academy, Downham Market

In its own words: "Nelson Academy is a large non-denominational school and nursery sponsored by the Eastern Multi-Academy Trust, providing education for over 350 children aged 3 to 11 in Downham Market, Downham West, Salters Lode, Barroway Drove and Nordelph. A number of parents from surrounding villages also choose to send their children to Nelson Academy."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We hope that as well as including information useful to you and your child, it will also give you a feel for the ethos of our school - one of inclusion, equality, excellence, enjoyment and very high expectations and aspirations. Nelson Academy opened in January 2014 and is sponsored by Eastern Multi-Academy Trust."

In 2025, 70% of Year 6 pupils at Nelson Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 67% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Norfolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 75% in reading and 78% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 43 families put Nelson Academy as their first choice and 71 named it as one of their preferences, for 45 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 Nelson Academy are Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 83% reading, 86% maths); Wimbotsham and Stow Academy (1.1 miles, Good, 89% reading, 56% maths); Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 76% reading, 88% maths); and Holy Cross Church of England Primary School (3.4 miles, Good, 50% reading, 60% maths).

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

Nelson Academy is one of 12 schools run by Eastern Multi-Academy Trust, an academy trust.

In 2026, 92 pupils (23.8%) received SEN support and 31 (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 speech, language and communication needs.

Nelson Academy has a resourced provision for autism: 12 places, 12 pupils on roll.

The nearest railway station is Downham Market Rail Station, about 680 metres away (roughly a 9-minute walk).

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Car Park, 300 metres away.

In 2024/25, Nelson Academy issued 14 suspensions, 3.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.