Fred Nicholson School
URN: 121256 • Dereham NR19 1JB
Overview
- Name
- Fred Nicholson School
- URN
- 121256
- Type
- Foundation special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 48.2 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Heidi Philpott (since 2025) , Headteacher
- Telephone
- 01362693915
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Westfield Road, Dereham NR19 1JB
Summary
Fred Nicholson School is a foundation special school located in Dereham, Norfolk, catering to 197 pupils with complex needs. The school prioritises a supportive and inclusive environment, guided by its ethos of "building for successful futures." It aims to foster independence and success in its students, ensuring that each child feels safe and valued within the school community.
The curriculum at Fred Nicholson School is tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, incorporating the Early Years Statutory Framework, National Curriculum, and Entry Level qualifications. With a strong focus on cognitive development, communication, sensory and physical skills, as well as social and emotional health, the school provides personalised learning plans for each student. High staff-to-pupil ratios enable targeted support, and various internal and external interventions are available to address specific challenges.
As the school prepares for a move to a new purpose-built facility in Swaffham, it looks forward to enhancing its specialist provisions. The collaborative approach among staff, families, and external professionals ensures that every child receives the best possible support to thrive academically and socially.
The curriculum at Fred Nicholson School is tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, incorporating the Early Years Statutory Framework, National Curriculum, and Entry Level qualifications. With a strong focus on cognitive development, communication, sensory and physical skills, as well as social and emotional health, the school provides personalised learning plans for each student. High staff-to-pupil ratios enable targeted support, and various internal and external interventions are available to address specific challenges.
As the school prepares for a move to a new purpose-built facility in Swaffham, it looks forward to enhancing its specialist provisions. The collaborative approach among staff, families, and external professionals ensures that every child receives the best possible support to thrive academically and socially.
Useful links
- Governor Information (governance)
- SEND Report (sen)
- See Term Dates (other)
- View Prospectus (other)
- Our School (other)
- Our Provision (other)
- Policies (other)
- Term Dates (other)
- Admissions (other)
- Privacy Policy (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Dereham Sixth Form College (45.2)
- Tutorial Centre (37.5)
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 197 | 118 | 79 | 174 | 55.40 |
| 2024-09-11 | 191 | 117 | 74 | 174 | 51.90 |
| 2023-09-11 | 174 | 105 | 69 | 174 | 51.10 |
| 2022-09-11 | 174 | 105 | 69 | 160 | 51.10 |
| 2021-09-11 | 162 | 104 | 58 | 160 | 46.60 |
| 2020-09-11 | 153 | 103 | 50 | 142 | 45.10 |
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