Long Stratton High School Review 2026: Academic Ambition in South Norfolk

Long Stratton High School serves as a central secondary hub for South Norfolk, located on the corridor between Norwich and Diss. Despite its relatively small size, with a capacity of 821, the school has established itself as a high-performing institution that consistently adds significant value to its students' education. Since converting to an academy in 2017 as part of the Enrich Learning Trust, it has maintained a steady trajectory of improvement, marked by a Progress 8 score that sits well above the England average.

The school's identity is rooted in its "Achievement for All" philosophy. In a region where larger urban secondaries can sometimes feel impersonal, Long Stratton offers a smaller, more visible environment where individual progress is tracked meticulously. The 2024 results confirm this approach is working, with students achieving half a grade higher across their subjects than their peers of similar ability nationally.

The atmosphere at Long Stratton is purposeful yet supportive. Because the school is smaller than average, there is a distinct sense that every student is known by name. The physical site on Manor Road features a functional mix of original buildings and newer additions, including a well-equipped Sports Hall and specialized technical suites.

Mr Alexander Lewis has led the school as Headteacher since 2022, overseeing a period of sustained academic success. Under his leadership, the school culture has focused on raising aspirations and broadening horizons for its predominantly local intake. The school values of Leadership, Scholarship, Hard work, and Service are not just decorative slogans; they are woven into the daily conduct and the high expectations set for both staff and students.

As part of the Enrich Learning Trust, the school benefits from shared expertise across a network of Norfolk schools. This provides a level of institutional stability and professional development that has direct benefits in the classroom, particularly in maintaining high standards of subject-specific teaching.

Long Stratton High School ranks 1,298th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 12th locally in the Norwich and South Norfolk area. This performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), but its "value-added" data tells a much stronger story.

In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50.1, which is notably higher than the England average of 45.9. More significantly, the Progress 8 score of +0.54 is classified as well above average. This means that, on average, students achieve more than half a grade better in each of their GCSE subjects compared to national expectations based on their primary school results.

In the core subjects, 74% of students achieved a standard pass (grade 4 or above) in both English and Mathematics, while 56% achieved a strong pass (grade 5 or above). These figures reflect a school that is effectively bridging the gap between potential and performance.

The curriculum at Long Stratton is designed to be academic and rigorous. In Key Stage 3, students follow a broad range of subjects that include separate sciences, history, geography, and modern languages. The school emphasizes a well-sequenced curriculum where subject leaders have carefully considered the order of content to help pupils learn most effectively.

Teachers are noted for their strong subject knowledge and their effective use of assessment to check understanding regularly. In Key Stage 4, the school maintains a solid commitment to the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), with 35% of the 2024 cohort entering the full suite of subjects and achieving an average point score of 4.5, which is comfortably above the England average of 4.08.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical milestone. The school reports that 95% of students stay in education or employment after Key Stage 4, which is above the national average of 93%.

The majority of students progress to school sixth forms or further education colleges in the surrounding area. Popular destinations include colleges in Norwich and Diss, where students pursue both A-level and vocational pathways. The school’s careers programme is robust, ensuring students are well-prepared for these transitions through early engagement with post-16 providers.

Long Stratton High School is an oversubscribed school. In the most recent admissions cycle, it received 187 applications for its 129 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.45. This reflects a high level of local demand that often exceeds the school's capacity.

Admissions are coordinated by Norfolk County Council. For the September 2026 intake, applications opened on 11 September 2025 and closed on 31 October 2025. National offer day is scheduled for 2 March 2026. After students with an EHCP naming the school and looked-after children are admitted, priority is given to those living within the designated catchment area and siblings of current students.

The school's smaller size is its greatest asset in terms of pastoral care. A "total communication" approach and a vertical tutoring system ensure that students are well-supported. The 2021 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good across all categories, specifically highlighting the supportive, friendly ethos and the high quality of care provided to students.

Behaviour is described as pleasant and polite, with students attending regularly and engaging well with their learning. The school has dedicated staff members who deal with mental health support and wellbeing, providing a safety net for students who may face challenges during their teenage years.

The extracurricular programme is a vital part of school life, with a strong emphasis on physical activity and creative expression. After-school activities have seen a successful return post-pandemic, with sports being particularly popular.

STEM Excellence

The school has a dedicated focus on technology and science, using specialized labs to foster innovation. Beyond the core curriculum, students can engage in STEM-related clubs that explore coding and engineering, preparing them for the technical demands of the modern workforce.

Other clubs include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is highly popular for its focus on resilience and outdoor skills. Music and drama also feature, with regular performances that allow students to showcase their talents to the wider South Norfolk community.

The school day typically starts at 8:40am and ends at 3:10pm. Practical information regarding transport is essential for families in more remote parts of South Norfolk; many students rely on the network of school buses that serve the local villages.

For families requiring wraparound care, it is important to note that specific details are not published on the website. Parents are advised to contact the school directly for more information regarding before or after-school provision beyond the standard extracurricular clubs.

• High Demand for Places: With a subscription proportion of 1.45, securing a place can be a challenge for families living outside the immediate catchment or the feeder school cluster.
• No On-site Sixth Form: Families must be prepared for the transition at age 16. While the school provides excellent support for this move, it does require students to be independent enough to travel to Norwich or other nearby towns for post-16 study.
• Smaller Social Circle: The smaller-than-average size is a benefit for many, but students seeking a massive, diverse campus experience may find the setting more intimate than they expected.

Long Stratton High School is a strong, stable choice for families in South Norfolk. It combines an intimate community feel with academic results that consistently outperform national expectations. It is best suited to students who thrive in a visible environment where hard work is expected and progress is prioritized. The challenge for many families is not the quality of the education, but securing a place within its highly sought-after intake.