The Parkside School, Norwich

The Parkside School in Norwich has demonstrated effective measures to sustain its previously outstanding performance during this ungraded inspection. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where students are enthusiastic about their learning and experience significant academic and personal growth. The high-quality education provided, along with strong communication skill development, equips students to transition successfully into further education or work scenarios. The school has made commendable adaptations to its limited space, creating diverse play and learning opportunities that engage pupils thoroughly.

Strengths

• Pupils make exceptional progress both academically and personally.
• Strong focus on communication skills and independence among students.
• High-quality curriculum that enhances learning and retention.
• Effective use of adaptive systems to support reading.
• Comprehensive support for special educational needs and disabilities.
• Wide range of extracurricular opportunities that promote diverse experiences.
• Expert staff who effectively manage pupil behavior and emotional needs.

In 2024–25 pupils at The Parkside School, Norwich attended 91.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 25.1% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 7.4% of pupils at The Parkside School, Norwich were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 The Parkside School, Norwich had 7.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 12.0% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 The Parkside School, Norwich had 199 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: speech, language and communication needs.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 The Parkside School, Norwich received £27,292 and spent £26,108 for each of its 199 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £648,000 (£3,256 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Norwich · Norfolk local authority: places and applications

What is The Parkside School, Norwich's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Parkside School, Norwich is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2025.

When was The Parkside School, Norwich last inspected by Ofsted?

The Parkside School, Norwich was last inspected in June 2025.

How many pupils does The Parkside School, Norwich have?

The Parkside School, Norwich has 199 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Parkside School, Norwich cover?

The Parkside School, Norwich for pupils aged 7 to 18.

What are The Parkside School, Norwich's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is The Parkside School, Norwich?

The Parkside School, Norwich is at College Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 3JA.