Upwell Academy, Wisbech

Ofsted's report card from its 6 May 2026 inspection grades Upwell Academy on 7 areas: 1 strong standard, 5 expected standard and 1 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Early years - Strong standard. "Leaders have established a well-organised and ambitious early years curriculum."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Over time, pupils' levels of attendance have been lower than the national averages."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "The curriculum is broad, ambitious and well sequenced."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders identify pupils' needs carefully and ensure that pupils receive appropriate support to access education successfully."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and those responsible for governance have an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and priorities for improvement."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a carefully structured programme to support pupils' wider development effectively."

Achievement - Needs attention. "Over time, too many pupils do not achieve as well as they should by the end of key stage 2."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to support staff to consistently deploy high-quality teaching approaches, so that all pupils learn and remember more"; "Leaders should ensure that pupils' achievement improves over time, so that a greater proportion of pupils are well prepared for their next stage of education, including the move to secondary school".

In its own words: ""Rooted in our village, reaching for the future." We nurture curious minds, kind hearts, and resilient spirits-empowering every child to thrive, achieve, and contribute to a changing world. At Upwell Academy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish. Our ethos is built on:"

From the headteacher's welcome: "As the Principal of Upwell Academy, I am privileged to lead a dedicated and hard-working team that continues to strengthen the solid foundations that make our school a lively and inspiring place for every child to succeed. At Upwell, our guiding values- Empower, Motivate, Achieve, and Transform -are at the heart of everything we do."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, rugby, athletics, gymnastics, multi-sports, dance, choir, Lego and art.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:30am, from £5 per session.

In 2025, 59% of Year 6 pupils at Upwell Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 41% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Norfolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 65% in reading and 61% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 23 families put Upwell Academy as their first choice and 34 named it as one of their preferences, for 26 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 Upwell Academy are Beaupre Community Primary School (1.4 miles, Good, 65% reading, 58% maths); Friday Bridge Community Primary School (2.6 miles, Good, 41% reading, 53% maths); Emneth Academy (3 miles, Good, 64% reading, 72% maths); and Townley Primary School (3.2 miles, Good, 75% reading, 50% maths).

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

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

1.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 35 pupils (19.4%) received SEN support and 13 (7.2%) 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 Upwell Academy.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is School (adjacent), 20 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 6 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Norfolk (28).

In 2024/25, Upwell Academy issued 15 suspensions, 7.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.