Old Buckenham High School Review 2026: A Community School with Rural Charm and Strong Foundations

Old Buckenham High School (OBHS) occupies a scenic spot in the Norfolk countryside, serving a broad catchment that includes Attleborough and the surrounding villages. With a capacity for 575 students, it remains smaller than many modern comprehensives, a factor that contributes to its reputation as a school where individuals are known and supported. The school became part of the Sapientia Education Trust (SET) in 2018, a move that has brought stability and shared resources to this rural setting. Academic performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a solid, dependable education that prioritises progress alongside character development.

The atmosphere at Old Buckenham is defined by its rural location and the sense of space that comes with it. The school is set in extensive grounds, and the physical environment feels calm and grounded. Despite its historical roots, the school has modernised its facilities, including a well equipped sports hall and dedicated technology suites.

The leadership team, led by Headteacher Paul Beale, emphasises a culture of Pride, Respect, and Ambition. These values are not merely decorative; they inform the school's approach to behaviour and student leadership. As a Sapientia Education Trust school, OBHS benefits from a network of local expertise, yet it retains a distinct identity as a community hub for South Norfolk.

In the 2024 GCSE examinations, Old Buckenham High School achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 44.3. This reflects a broad range of achievement across the curriculum. The school ranks 2241st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 2nd among the secondary schools in the Attleborough area.

A key indicator of the school's effectiveness is its Progress 8 score of 0, which shows that students, on average, make progress in line with expectations based on their starting points at the end of primary school. While 12% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), the school maintains a diverse curriculum that supports both academic and vocational pathways.

The curriculum at OBHS is designed to provide breadth in the lower years before allowing for specialization at GCSE. Students study a core of English, Mathematics, and Science, complemented by a range of options including Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages, and the Creative Arts.

The school has made significant investments in its STEM provision. The Science department utilizes modern laboratories, and the curriculum is structured to encourage inquiry based learning. Mathematics teaching is focused on building confidence and fluency, with additional support available for students who find the transition from primary school challenging. The Sapientia Education Trust’s influence is visible here through shared curriculum planning and teacher training initiatives that ensure high standards across the board.

Pastoral care is a recognized strength of the school. The smaller student population allows for a more personalized approach to wellbeing. Each student is part of a tutor group that meets daily, providing a consistent point of contact for both students and parents.

The school operates a clear and fair behaviour policy based on mutual respect. For students requiring additional support, the SENCO coordinates a team of teaching assistants who provide targeted interventions. The school's rural setting is also leveraged for wellbeing, with outdoor spaces used for both learning and relaxation, helping to create a low pressure environment for those who might find larger urban schools overwhelming.

Extracurricular life at Old Buckenham is varied and well attended. The school is particularly known for its commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which is popular among students in Years 9 and 10. This fosters independence and resilience, aligning with the school's rural character.

Sport is another major pillar. The school makes full use of its floodlit courts and large playing fields for football, rugby, netball, and athletics. Creative opportunities are equally prioritized, with an annual school production that involves students from all year groups, both on stage and behind the scenes in technical roles. Music is supported through peripatetic lessons and various ensembles, including a school band.

As a state academy, admissions are coordinated by Norfolk County Council. The school is a popular choice for local families, often reaching or exceeding its capacity for Year 7 entry. For the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 1.92, meaning nearly two applications were received for every available place.

The admissions policy prioritizes looked after children, followed by those living within the designated catchment area and siblings of current students. Parents are encouraged to consult the Norfolk County Council admissions website for the latest catchment maps and application deadlines.

Fees & Financial Aid

Old Buckenham High School is a state funded academy. This means it is a state school with no tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all eligible students. Families may encounter costs associated with optional school trips, specific extracurricular music lessons, and school uniforms. Financial support is typically available via the government Pupil Premium scheme for eligible students to help cover these peripheral costs.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. While Old Buckenham is a rural school, it is well served by dedicated school bus routes from Attleborough and nearby villages. Parking on site is limited for visitors, but the school is easily accessible by road via the B1113. Information regarding specific bus routes and transport eligibility is available through the Norfolk County Council transport office.

• Small school environment: With approximately 550 students, the school is much smaller than many regional competitors. This creates a close-knit community where everyone is known, but it may offer a slightly narrower range of GCSE options compared to a 2,000 student mega school.
• Rural location: The school's setting is beautiful but requires most students to travel by bus. This means that after school clubs require careful coordination for those relying on school transport.
• Oversubscription: With 1.92 applications for every place in recent years, the school is highly popular. Families living outside the immediate catchment area should have a clear secondary choice backup plan.

Old Buckenham High School is a dependable, community focused secondary that provides a balanced education in a nurturing rural environment. It avoids the "exam factory" label, focusing instead on steady progress and the personal development of its students. Best suited to families who prefer a smaller, more personable school setting where their child will be a name rather than a number.