Ormiston Herman Academy Review 2026: High-attaining primary with a strong early years offer

This is a high-performing primary on the core measures that most parents use as shorthand for academic standards.

In 2024, 82% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined. That exceeds the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 33.67% achieved greater depth across reading, writing and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%.

The underlying outcomes are strong across the tested areas: 84% met the expected standard in reading, 88% in mathematics, and 91% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Science is also reported at 82% at the expected standard. Scaled scores sit comfortably above the expected-standard benchmark of 100, with an average reading scaled score of 108, mathematics at 110, and grammar, punctuation and spelling at 112. A score of 100 represents the expected standard at Key Stage 2.

On the FindMySchool rankings (based on official data), the academy is ranked 528th in England for primary outcomes and 1st in Great Yarmouth. This places it well above England average and in the top 10% of schools in England (top 10%).

For parents comparing nearby options, the most useful next step is to use the FindMySchool Local Hub and Comparison Tool to view these outcomes alongside other local primaries, then sanity-check fit through a visit and conversations about support and routines.

The published curriculum information points to a structured approach that still leaves room for enrichment and themed learning. In early years, the academy references the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and Development Matters as the basis for planning, with the expectation that children’s current interests are reflected in activities. For parents, the practical implication is that Nursery and Reception are set up to build language, early reading habits, and learning behaviours in a way that prepares children for the more formal expectations of Key Stage 1.

Reading is treated as a priority area in official reporting, with regular practice and targeted support when pupils fall behind. That matters in a primary because reading fluency becomes a gatekeeper for nearly every subject by Key Stage 2, particularly for pupils who may not have extensive reading support at home.

There is also evidence of a broad curriculum beyond English and mathematics, including history as a distinct subject area with published curriculum documents. The academy is candid that curriculum design requires constant attention to sequencing and knowledge retention in foundation subjects, which is the right problem for a high-performing school to be solving because it is about depth and long-term learning rather than basic compliance.

As a state primary, the transition question is usually about the local Year 7 landscape and how well the school prepares pupils to cope with new routines, homework, and subject-specific teaching.

One concrete indicator is that Ormiston Herman Academy is listed as a feeder primary in the published admissions policy for Cliff Park Ormiston Academy, a local secondary within the same trust family. That does not mean progression is automatic, and it does not rule out other local secondaries, but it does provide an evidence-based clue about a common transition pathway for families in the area.

Academically, Key Stage 2 results at this level typically make secondary transition smoother because pupils are more likely to arrive with secure reading, writing stamina, and mathematical fluency. The more important variable becomes fit, including pastoral structures and the practicalities of travel, rather than whether a child is “ready” for secondary-level work.

Reception entry is coordinated through Norfolk County Council, with a clear timetable for September 2026 entry: applications opened on 23 September 2025 and closed on 15 January 2026, with offers released on 16 April 2026. The academy’s published admissions policy for 2026 to 2027 also aligns with the 15 January deadline and national offer day timing.

Demand is material. With 109 applications for 54 offers, the school sits in oversubscribed territory, and families should treat Reception entry as competitive rather than assumed. If you are moving house, it is sensible to treat admissions planning as a risk-management exercise, using the FindMySchoolMap Search to understand how your location relates to likely allocation patterns and to keep alternative options live.

Nursery admissions are separate from statutory school admissions and operate on session structures linked to funded entitlements. The nursery admissions policy sets out that all children are entitled to 15 funded hours from the term after their third birthday, and some may qualify for 30 hours, with the academy running either morning or afternoon sessions for 15-hour places, and full days for children eligible for 30 hours.

The academy also actively encourages prospective parents to visit and refers to open sessions for Reception. If the specific calendar dates you see online are in the past, treat them as a pattern indicator, with events typically running in the autumn term, and confirm the next available sessions directly with the academy.

Safeguarding leadership is clearly signposted, with the principal named as the lead officer and a designated governor role also specified. This level of clarity is reassuring for parents because it reduces ambiguity about escalation routes if concerns arise.

The pastoral picture is also supported by evidence of external support and wellbeing provision. A recent parent communication referenced a Mental Health Support Team presence during parents’ evenings, indicating a link between pastoral support and parent access points. For many families, that matters most when a child is dealing with anxiety, friendship turbulence, or a period of disrupted attendance.

Inclusion is framed as expectation rather than add-on. The SEND policy states that extra-curricular activities and trips are available to pupils with SEND, and it explicitly rejects a blanket “zero tolerance” approach to behaviour because it can disadvantage pupils with additional needs. The implication for parents is that there is at least a policy-level commitment to reasonable adjustment and participation, although it is still wise to ask how that works day-to-day for your child’s specific profile.

Extracurricular offer is treated as a regular part of the week, not an occasional add-on. After-school clubs are scheduled Monday to Thursday, running 3:05pm to 4:00pm in term time. For working families, that is not the same as full wraparound care, but it does extend the day in a structured way for many pupils.

Specific examples of enrichment and pupil experience are unusually visible through the academy’s news flow. A Year 6 chess tournament placed teams 3rd, 4th and 5th against other schools across the trust, which is a useful indicator of competitive opportunities beyond standard sports fixtures. There are also named whole-school events such as Ormiston’s Got Talent, which signals performance and confidence-building opportunities that appeal to pupils who like music, drama, and public presentation.

Early years provision also has its own identity. The trust highlighted Little Learners Nursery being shortlisted for a national early years award in 2025, which is a credible external signal that practice in Nursery is taken seriously and is visible beyond the school gates.

The academy day is structured with clear timings. Pupils can arrive from 8:30am, with the expectation that they are in class and ready by 8:45am, and the first lesson begins at 8:50am. The published opening hours run to 3:30pm.

Wraparound details are partially published. Breakfast club is offered from 8:00am and is priced at £1.20 per day. After-school clubs run until 4:00pm on weekdays Monday to Thursday in term time, with places often allocated through letters and sign-up processes. If you need care beyond 4:00pm, it is sensible to ask what additional provision is available, as this is not fully set out on the public pages.

Little Learners Nursery runs morning sessions 8:30am to 11:30am, afternoon sessions 12:00pm to 3:00pm, and all-day sessions 8:30am to 3:00pm. Nursery fees are not listed here; families should use the academy’s nursery pages for the current charging approach and any optional extras.

• Competitive Reception entry. With 109 applications for 54 offers, entry is oversubscribed, and families should keep credible alternative options in play through the Norfolk process.

• Wraparound may not cover a full working day. Breakfast club begins at 8:00am and after-school clubs typically run to 4:00pm on weekdays Monday to Thursday; families needing later provision should clarify arrangements early.

• Curriculum breadth requires ongoing attention. The academy’s improvement focus includes ensuring foundation subjects build securely over time, which can be a key factor for pupils who thrive on knowledge-rich teaching across the wider curriculum.

• Nursery is structured around funded entitlements. The published nursery admissions approach is closely tied to 15-hour and 30-hour eligibility, so parents should confirm how session availability fits their working pattern.

A high-performing primary with a particularly clear early years offer and a results profile that sits well above England averages. It suits families who want strong Key Stage 2 outcomes, structured routines, and a school culture where pupils are encouraged to take on responsibility through leadership roles and enrichment. The main limiting factor is admissions competition at Reception, so the best approach is to plan early, visit, and keep a shortlist active while you apply.