Include School Norfolk

Include School Norfolk is an independent alternative provision run by Catch22 Ltd for pupils aged 14 to 16, most of whom are referred by the local authority after significant disruption to their education; many have social, emotional and mental health needs and some have education, health and care plans. In this September 2026 standard inspection, the school met the expected standard in every evaluated area, safeguarding standards were met and all independent school standards were met. Inspectors found a school that knows its pupils very well and provides individually tailored education, pastoral and therapeutic support, with pupils generally behaving well, attendance improving for many and achievement reflected in GCSEs, functional skills and other accredited courses. The main strengths are the school's deep understanding of pupils' starting points and barriers, strong relationships with families and external agencies, a broad and evolving curriculum, and effective leadership and governance with robust compliance checks. Pupils develop confidence, independence and practical skills, and many progress into post-16 education or training. Inspectors noted that online provision could not be observed directly or discussed with online pupils, although leaders, staff, documents and parents provided evidence. Improvement is still needed in embedding individualised attendance approaches so more pupils, especially frequent absentees, sustain better attendance; increasing workplace engagement; making curriculum opportunities to discuss and apply subject content more consistent; and developing staff expertise in targeted interventions. Teachers also sometimes rely on responses from pupils who readily contribute, making it harder to check what quieter or less-confident pupils understand.

Strengths

• Tailors education closely to pupils' individual needs, starting points and ambitions
• Staff know pupils extremely well and build trusting relationships
• Strong pastoral, therapeutic and family support helps pupils re-engage with education
• Pupils generally behave well and suspensions have reduced over time
• Attendance improves for many pupils through persistent family contact and individual support
• Broad curriculum includes GCSEs, functional skills, vocational courses and evolving subject opportunities
• Teachers explain new ideas clearly and help pupils catch up on missed learning
• Pupils develop communication, independence and practical skills for adulthood
• Effective leadership and governance with robust compliance and quality assurance
• Good careers support and transitions, with many pupils progressing to post-16 education or training
• Personal development programme supports wellbeing, safety, citizenship and independence

Areas for Improvement

• Some pupils still attend infrequently despite improvements
• Careers learning needs more engagement with different workplaces
• Curriculum developments are not yet consistently embedded across subjects
• Pupils do not always have equally rich opportunities to discuss and apply important ideas
• Teachers sometimes rely on vocal pupils, limiting checks on quieter pupils' understanding
• Staff expertise in delivering targeted interventions is still being developed

In 2025–26, 41.2% of pupils at Include School Norfolk were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 40.0% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

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 independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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

What is Include School Norfolk's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Include School Norfolk is Expected standard, from an inspection in October 2026.

When was Include School Norfolk last inspected by Ofsted?

Include School Norfolk was last inspected in October 2026.

How many pupils does Include School Norfolk have?

Include School Norfolk has 80 pupils on roll.

What age range does Include School Norfolk cover?

Include School Norfolk for pupils aged 14 to 16.

Where is Include School Norfolk?

Include School Norfolk is at 27 Hurricane Way, Airport Industrial Estate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 6HE.