Sheringham High School Review 2026: Coastal Community & Rising Standards

Sheringham High School sits on the North Norfolk coast, serving a tight-knit community where the school is genuinely central to local life. Part of the Synergy Multi-Academy Trust, it caters for approximately 700 students aged 11 to 18. This is a school that embraces its coastal setting rather than fighting it; the curriculum and ethos reflect a pragmatic, grounded approach that values vocational success as highly as academic grades. Under the leadership of Mrs Dawn Hollidge, the school has seen a trajectory of improvement, with 2025 marking a third consecutive year of rising results.

The campus on Holt Road is functional and friendly, a mix of mid-century architecture and newer additions that reflect recent investment. The atmosphere is described by inspectors and parents alike as calm and orderly. The school does not feel like a pressure cooker; instead, there is a palpable sense of community care.

A defining feature of the school's character is "The Patch," a community smallholding and garden located on the campus. Far more than a simple veggie plot, this is a working horticultural facility with chickens and extensive growing areas. It serves as a hub for student wellbeing and practical learning, grounding the school's "Success for All" motto in something tangible. It is rare to find a state secondary school where students can learn animal care and horticulture on-site, and it speaks to a curriculum that looks beyond the classroom walls.

Mrs Dawn Hollidge, appointed Headteacher in recent years, works alongside Executive Headteacher Alastair Ogle. Their leadership has brought stability and a renewed focus on standards, confirmed by the 'Good' Ofsted rating in June 2023.

Academic performance has been on a noticeable upward trend. In 2025, the school reported its best-ever examination performance, with three-quarters of students achieving a Grade 4 (standard pass) or above in English and mathematics.

The proportion of top grades is healthy for a mixed-ability coastal intake. In 2025, 21% of all grades awarded were 7, 8, or 9 (equivalent to A-A*). This places the school in a strong position locally, ranking 2nd among secondary schools in North Norfolk for GCSE outcomes. The FindMySchool ranking places it 2,514th in England, sitting comfortably in the middle 35% of schools in England (middle 35% of schools).

The school’s Progress 8 score of -0.19 (2024 data) indicates that students make progress broadly in line with national expectations, though slightly below the England average. However, the trajectory suggests this gap is closing.

The curriculum is broad, balancing the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) core with strong vocational and creative options. Teaching is structured and supportive, with inspectors noting that lessons are purposeful and free from disruption.

Key Stage 3 covers the full breadth of the National Curriculum, while Key Stage 4 allows for significant personalisation. The school resists the trend of narrowing the curriculum too early; students can pursue Triple Science and Computer Science alongside Art, Drama, and Design Technology. The presence of The Patch allows for unique outdoor learning opportunities that support biology and geography curricula in practical ways.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEND) is effective. The school employs a "quality first" teaching model, meaning support is integrated into the classroom rather than treating SEND students as a separate cohort.

Sheringham High is notable for the diversity of its leavers' destinations, which reflect the local economic landscape.

In 2024, 32% of leavers progressed to university. While this figure is lower than some urban averages, it is balanced by an exceptionally strong employment rate. A remarkable 41% of the cohort moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than the national norm. This demonstrates the school's success in preparing students for the real world and its strong connections with local industry.

Apprenticeships are a valued pathway, with 9% of students securing placements in 2024. For those aiming for elite universities, the support is there; in the most recent cycle, students secured places at Russell Group institutions, including Cambridge.

Admission is coordinated by Norfolk County Council. The school serves a catchment area that includes Sheringham, Weybourne, West Runton, and Upper Sheringham.

The school is a popular choice locally and is often oversubscribed. In the most recent primary intake, 82 offers were made, though the total Year 7 cohort is typically larger (PAN is 145). Applications must be submitted to the Local Authority by 31 October.

Priority is given to children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), looked-after children, and then those living within the catchment area. Distance from the school gate is the final tie-breaker for oversubscribed places.

Pastoral care is organised through a form tutor system, ensuring every student has a daily point of contact. The 2023 Ofsted report highlighted the school's effective support for mental health, noting that students feel safe and have trusted adults they can turn to.

The House system fosters a sense of belonging and friendly competition. Wellbeing is not just a buzzword here; the use of The Patch for therapeutic work and quiet reflection provides a unique resource for students finding the school day overwhelming.

Extracurricular life takes full advantage of the facilities and location. Sport is a major pillar, with teams competing in county fixtures for football, rugby, and netball.

The arts are well-supported, with regular school productions utilizing the drama studio and theatre facilities. Music tuition is available, and the choir is active in the community.

The Patch

This facility deserves specific mention as a standout extracurricular asset. It allows students to engage in the "Kinder Life" programme, learning sustainability, animal husbandry, and gardening. It is a distinctive feature that sets Sheringham High apart from other local providers.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Uniform consists of a navy blazer with the school logo, white shirt, and house tie.

Transport is excellent for a rural school. Sheringham station is a short walk away, bringing students from Cromer and villages along the Bittern Line. Dedicated school buses serve the wider catchment area.

Coastal Context. The location is beautiful but can be isolating. Travel times for fixtures or trips are longer than for city schools, and winter commutes from outlying villages can be dark and cold.

Diverse Pathways. Families focused solely on Russell Group entry should be aware that this is a school where employment and apprenticeships are celebrated equally with university degrees. The culture is pragmatic and vocational as well as academic.

Mixed Ability. This is a true comprehensive. Classes contain a wide range of abilities. Highly academic students will need to be self-motivated to push for the very top grades, though the recent 21% top-grade figure shows this is eminently achievable.

Sheringham High School is a community asset that is visibly on the rise. It offers a grounded, supportive education where the "whole child" is more than just a phrase, evidenced by unique facilities like The Patch and a pastoral system that genuinely cares. Best suited to families who value a well-rounded, community-focused education where vocational skills are respected alongside academic ones.