Southery Academy, Downham Market

In its own words: "We strive to create a safe, friendly environment in which everyone is valued and given the confidence to be inquisitive and love learning. We shall provide experiences which inspire the children to thrive as part of a growing community with high aspirations and opportunities for all. Empower, engage and to encourage children to be in control of their own learning."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are very proud of our academy and what it has to offer the children who come here. Our mainly Victorian building has outstanding views out over the Fen from the playground, but has been modernised and extended over the years in order to provide excellent facilities to deliver the curriculum."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:35am.

In 2025, 54% of Year 6 pupils at Southery Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 69% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Norfolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (53% in reading, 71% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 12 families put Southery Academy as their first choice and 14 named it as one of their preferences, for 14 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 Southery Academy are Hilgay Riverside Academy (2.3 miles, Good, 70% reading, 60% maths); Denver Voluntary Controlled Primary School (4.5 miles, Good, 76% reading, 88% maths); and Littleport Community Primary School (6.1 miles, Good, 83% reading, 71% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Southery Academy.

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

23 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Southery Academy (as of September 2025): 61% would recommend the school, 78% say their child is happy there and 31% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child is happy at the school (78%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (31%).

1.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 19 pupils (22.9%) received SEN support and 11 (13.3%) 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.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Southery Academy.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Primary School (adjacent), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 9 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and drug offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Norfolk (28).

In 2024/25, Southery Academy issued 2 suspensions, 2.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.