Norland CE School, Sowerby Bridge

Ofsted's report card from its 2 June 2026 inspection grades Norland CE School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 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 place a high priority on attendance."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils typically achieve well."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have an accurate understanding of the quality of the curriculum."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear and ambitious vision for giving children the best start."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders identify pupils' needs and any barriers to learning quickly and accurately."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders understand the school's context, strengths and areas for development."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "The school has a personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum that meets statutory requirements."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue their work to ensure that highly effective teaching is embedded across subjects and year groups"; "Leaders should further develop staff's expertise so that interactions with children in the early years are consistently effective".

In its own words: ""Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (Corinthians 13:7) Together we learn to Be the Best we can be, guided by God's love. We live out the Christian values of Forgiveness, Friendship, Hope, and Trust, encouraging everyone to achieve their God-given potential, develop their talents, celebrate their uniqueness, and rejoice in the joy of belonging to God's family."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Nestled in our small rural village, we may be a school with small numbers, but we have truly huge hearts. Norland is a caring, nurturing community where every child is known, valued and celebrated as an individual. Our dedicated staff work closely together to create a safe, supportive environment in which children feel happy, confident and ready to learn."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 90% of Year 6 pupils at Norland CE School reached the expected standard in reading and 100% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 75% in Calderdale and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 69% in reading and 69% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 4 families put Norland CE School as their first choice and 28 named it as one of their preferences, for 4 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 Norland CE School are Bolton Brow Primary Academy (0.8 miles, Good, 83% reading, 77% maths); New Road Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 53% reading, 53% maths); Christ Church Sowerby Bridge CofE (VA) Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 79% reading, 82% maths); and Tuel Lane Infant School (0.9 miles, Requires improvement).

Norland CE School's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 14 pupils (23%) received SEN support and 1 (1.6%) 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.

Norland CE School had 4 teachers in 2026, one for every 16 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Sowerby Bridge Rail Station, about 920 metres away (roughly a 12-minute walk).

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Luke's Church, 50 metres away.

Norland CE School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Norland CE School are Trinity Academy Grammar (1 mile), The Crossley Heath School (1.2 miles) and Ryburn Valley High School (1.3 miles).