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
School thumbnail

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.

Key details

LA
Norfolk
Age range
3 - 19
Boarders
No boarders
Sixth form
Has a sixth form
Trust
Capacity
174
Pupils
197
Boys
118
Girls
79
FSM %
55.40
Open date
1900-01-01
Close date
Last Ofsted
2019-11-07
Next inspection
Data snapshot
2025-07-14
County
Norfolk

Trends

DatePupilsBoysGirlsCapacityFSM%
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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