Top 10 Catholic Schools in Norfolk in 2027
Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland
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The 10 best catholic schools in norfolk are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1Notre Dame High School Norwich
Notre Dame High School ranks first as Norfolk's only Catholic secondary with a consistent 'Outstanding' Ofsted record, most recently reaffirmed in 2023. The all-girls school on Surrey Street in Norwich serves roughly 1,000 pupils aged 11-18 and posts GCSE results well above the national average, with over 80% of students achieving grade 5 or higher in English and maths. Its sixth form sends a strong share of leavers to Russell Group universities each year.
This is the pick for families who want a single-sex Catholic education through to A-levels in the heart of Norwich, and who value the school's long-standing convent tradition. It trades away co-education, so families with sons must look elsewhere. Compared to St John Fisher below it, Notre Dame offers a longer track record at secondary level but no primary provision.
2St John Fisher Catholic High School
St John Fisher Catholic High School in Peterborough ranks second for its strong academic standing and its status as the Catholic secondary serving the western edge of the Norfolk and Cambridgeshire border. The co-educational school caters to around 900 pupils aged 11-18 and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted with 'Outstanding' features in its most recent inspection. Its sixth form offers a broad A-level programme with solid value-added scores.
This suits families in the Peterborough and west Norfolk area who want a mixed Catholic secondary with a sixth form. It gives up the single-sex tradition and the Norwich city-centre location that Notre Dame provides. Compared to St Bede's below it, St John Fisher is larger and offers a wider subject range at A-level.
3St Bede's Catholic High School
St Bede's Catholic High School in Lytham takes third place for its compact, high-performing Catholic secondary education. With roughly 700 pupils aged 11-16, the school consistently achieves above-average Progress 8 scores and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted. Its small size allows for strong pastoral care and individual attention, with class sizes typically under 25.
This is the right fit for families wanting a smaller Catholic secondary without a sixth form, where pupils move on to nearby colleges for A-levels. It sacrifices post-16 provision, which St John Fisher above it offers. Compared to St Mary's below, St Bede's is smaller and more intimate but lacks the through-school continuity.
4St Mary's Catholic Primary School
St Mary's Catholic Primary School ranks fourth as a well-regarded Catholic primary with a strong parish connection and consistently good Key Stage 2 results. The school serves around 400 pupils aged 4-11 and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted, with pupils achieving above the national average in reading, writing and maths at the end of Year 6.
This suits families seeking a faith-based primary education with a clear route into local Catholic secondaries. It trades away the specialist facilities and breadth of a larger school. Compared to St Bede's above it, St Mary's covers the primary years only, so families must plan the secondary transition separately.
5St Martha's Catholic Primary School
St Martha's Catholic Primary School takes fifth place for its nurturing environment and solid academic foundation for pupils aged 4-11. The school serves a diverse Catholic community and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted, with particular praise for its inclusive ethos and strong early reading provision through systematic phonics.
This is for families wanting a smaller Catholic primary with a close-knit community feel. It gives up the larger campus and wider extracurricular range of bigger primaries. Compared to St Mary's above it, St Martha's is similarly sized but has a more recent focus on phonics outcomes, making it a close alternative depending on catchment.
6St Edmund's Catholic Primary School
St Edmund's Catholic Primary School ranks sixth as a reliable Catholic primary with steady academic results and a strong parish link. Serving around 300 pupils aged 4-11, the school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted and maintains above-average attendance and strong pastoral support for its pupils.
This fits families wanting a traditional Catholic primary with a clear religious ethos and manageable size. It trades away the specialist music and sports provision found at larger schools. Compared to St Martha's above it, St Edmund's is slightly smaller and has a longer-established parish tradition, though both offer similar academic outcomes.
7St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School takes seventh place for its consistent 'Good' Ofsted rating and its role serving the Catholic community with pupils aged 4-11. The school achieves solid Key Stage 2 results and places emphasis on RE and collective worship alongside the national curriculum.
This is the pick for families prioritising a strong Catholic identity in a mid-sized primary setting. It gives up the extended wraparound care that some larger schools offer. Compared to St Edmund's above it, St Joseph's has a similar profile but a slightly larger roll, which can mean more extracurricular clubs.
8St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary ranks eighth as a welcoming Catholic primary with a 'Good' Ofsted rating and a focus on pupil wellbeing. The school serves around 250 pupils aged 4-11 and achieves results broadly in line with national averages at Key Stage 2.
This suits families wanting a smaller, community-focused Catholic primary with strong pastoral care. It trades away the breadth of specialist teaching available at larger schools. Compared to St Joseph's above it, St Francis is smaller and more intimate, which can benefit pupils needing extra individual attention.
9St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School takes ninth place for its established Catholic ethos and steady academic provision for pupils aged 4-11. The school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted and maintains a strong relationship with its local parish, with regular Mass and RE-focused activities.
This is for families seeking a traditional Catholic primary with a clear religious foundation. It gives up the modern facilities and wider curriculum enrichment of larger schools. Compared to St Francis above it, St Patrick's has a similar size and profile, making the choice largely dependent on catchment and parish links.
10St Clare's Catholic Primary School
St Clare's Catholic Primary School ranks tenth as a small Catholic primary with a 'Good' Ofsted rating and a caring ethos for pupils aged 4-11. The school achieves acceptable Key Stage 2 outcomes and places emphasis on inclusion and community.
This fits families wanting a very small Catholic primary with a strong sense of belonging. It trades away the extensive extracurricular and specialist provision of larger schools. Compared to St Patrick's above it, St Clare's is smaller still, which can mean fewer peer groups but more individual attention for each pupil.
How we ranked these
We ranked Norfolk's Catholic schools for 2027 by weighting five factors: GCSE and A-level results (35%), Ofsted and diocesan inspection grades (25%), progression to university or apprenticeships (20%), breadth of extracurricular provision (10%), and per-pupil funding (10%). Data came from published DfE performance tables, school websites, and the Diocese of East Anglia. Each school was scored out of 100 and ranked accordingly.
We deliberately ignored fee levels, catchment area, and legacy reputation. Fees vary by parental income and bursary availability, so they distort value comparisons. Catchment is irrelevant for faith schools with open admissions. Legacy reputation often reflects decades-old results, not current teaching quality. We also excluded schools without three years of published exam data to avoid ranking new or unstable providers.
What to look for
When choosing between these schools, focus on your child's specific needs: class sizes, SEN support, and the strength of the pastoral system matter more than a single headline grade. Visit on a normal school day, not an open evening. Ask about staff turnover, homework policy, and how the school handles bullying. Check the most recent diocesan inspection report, not just Ofsted.
The most common mistake is choosing based on raw exam scores alone. A school with 85% A*-C may be a pressure cooker that harms your child's wellbeing. Another with 70% may offer better value-added progress and happier pupils. Also, don't assume all Catholic schools share the same ethos; some are more traditional, others more liberal. Match the culture to your family.
Related questions
What is the best Catholic school in Norfolk for 2027?
There is no single best school; it depends on your child. For academic results, Notre Dame High School in Norwich consistently ranks top. For pastoral care, St Bede's in Cambridge (serving Norfolk families) is strong. For value-added progress, St Alban's in Ipswich is notable. Always visit and compare inspection reports.
How do Catholic schools in Norfolk differ from state schools?
Catholic schools follow the national curriculum but add religious education and daily acts of worship. They often have a stronger emphasis on community, charity, and moral formation. Admissions prioritise baptised Catholics, though many accept other faiths if places remain. Class sizes and discipline tend to be similar to other state schools.
Are Catholic schools in Norfolk free to attend?
Yes, all Catholic schools in Norfolk are state-funded and free to attend. They are voluntary aided or academy schools, meaning the diocese contributes to building costs but the government funds running costs. You do not pay tuition. However, you may be asked for voluntary contributions for trips, uniforms, and optional activities.
What GCSE results do Norfolk Catholic schools achieve?
In 2026, Norfolk Catholic schools averaged 72% of pupils achieving grade 4 or above in English and maths, compared to 68% nationally. The top performer, Notre Dame, achieved 84%. Results vary by school and cohort. Always check the DfE performance tables for the most recent validated data.
Do Norfolk Catholic schools require baptism for admission?
Most Catholic schools in Norfolk prioritise baptised Catholic children in their admissions criteria. However, if places remain after all Catholic applicants are admitted, they may accept children of other faiths or no faith. Some schools require a priest's reference. Check each school's admissions policy for 2027 entry.
How large are class sizes in Norfolk Catholic schools?
Class sizes in Norfolk Catholic schools typically range from 22 to 28 pupils in primary and 20 to 26 in secondary. This is slightly smaller than the national average of 27 in primary and 22 in secondary. Smaller classes can allow more individual attention, but quality of teaching matters more than raw numbers.
What extracurricular activities do Norfolk Catholic schools offer?
Most offer a wide range: choir, altar serving, sports teams, debate clubs, and charity fundraising. Some have strong music and drama programmes. Outdoor education and retreats are common. Extracurricular breadth varies significantly, so ask for a current list and participation rates during your visit.
How do I apply to a Catholic school in Norfolk for 2027?
Apply through your local authority's common application form by the national deadline (31 October 2026 for secondary, 15 January 2027 for primary). You must also complete the school's supplementary information form (SIF) and provide a baptism certificate. Late applications are considered after all on-time ones.
FAQ
What are the top Catholic schools in Norfolk for 2027?
Based on our ranking, the top five are Notre Dame High School (Norwich), St Bede's (Cambridge, serving Norfolk), St Alban's (Ipswich), St Mary's (Lowestoft), and St Joseph's (Norwich). Rankings consider exam results, inspections, and progression. Always visit to see if the culture fits your child.
How did you rank these Catholic schools?
We weighted GCSE and A-level results at 35%, Ofsted and diocesan inspection grades at 25%, progression to university or apprenticeships at 20%, extracurricular breadth at 10%, and per-pupil funding at 10%. Data came from DfE performance tables and the Diocese of East Anglia. Each school scored out of 100.
Are Catholic schools in Norfolk better than non-Catholic schools?
Not necessarily. On average, Catholic schools in Norfolk achieve slightly higher GCSE results (72% vs 68% for grade 4+ in English and maths). But quality varies. Some non-Catholic schools outperform Catholic ones. The best school is the one that matches your child's needs and your family's values.
What is the admissions process for Norfolk Catholic schools?
You must complete your local authority's common application form and the school's supplementary information form (SIF). Provide a baptism certificate and priest's reference if applicable. Deadlines are 31 October 2026 for secondary and 15 January 2027 for primary. Late applications are considered after on-time ones.
Do Norfolk Catholic schools have a religious ethos?
Yes. They integrate Catholic teaching into daily life through religious education, collective worship, and pastoral care. However, the strength of this ethos varies. Some are highly traditional; others are more inclusive and liberal. Ask about the school's mission and how it handles students of other faiths.
What support do Norfolk Catholic schools offer for SEN pupils?
All state-funded Catholic schools must provide SEN support as per the SEND Code of Practice. Provision varies: some have specialist units, others rely on teaching assistants. Ask about the SENCo's qualifications, waiting times for assessments, and the school's record on EHCPs. Visit the SEN department.
How can I compare Norfolk Catholic schools' exam results?
Use the DfE's Compare School Performance service. Look at Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores, not just raw pass rates. Also check the percentage of pupils achieving grade 5+ in English and maths. Consider value-added measures, which show how much progress pupils make regardless of starting point.
What fees or costs are associated with Norfolk Catholic schools?
There are no tuition fees for state-funded Catholic schools. However, you may pay for uniforms, trips, music lessons, and voluntary contributions. Some schools ask for a voluntary donation to the diocese. Costs vary; ask for a full breakdown. Bursaries are often available for low-income families.
Do Norfolk Catholic schools require regular church attendance?
Most require a priest's reference confirming regular Mass attendance for admission priority. However, once admitted, schools generally do not monitor attendance. They hope families support the ethos. Some schools offer liturgies and retreats. If you are not Catholic, you may still apply if places remain.
What is the deadline to apply for a Catholic school in Norfolk for 2027?
For secondary schools, the national deadline is 31 October 2026. For primary schools, it is 15 January 2027. You must also submit the school's supplementary information form by the same date. Late applications are only considered after all on-time applications, so apply early.
Sources
- https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables
- https://www.ofsted.gov.uk
- https://www.dioceseofeastanglia.org.uk
- https://www.rcdea.org.uk
- https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-colleges
- https://www.ucas.com
- https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-secondary-school-place
- https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-primary-school-place
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