Red Balloon - Norwich
Norwich, Norfolk · NR3 2PW
Red Balloon Norwich is a small, specialist independent school serving pupils with complex needs, including those with anxiety, school refusal, and SEND. Operating as a registered charity since 2006, it provides a highly personalised, therapeutic approach within a nurturing day-only environment of just 33 pupils. The school emphasizes emotional wellbeing and gradual reintegration, positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream education for vulnerable young people who require a safer, smaller learning space.
- →Specialist provision for anxious, school-refusing, and emotionally vulnerable pupils with genuine understanding of trauma and mental health needs
- →Extremely small cohort (33 pupils) enabling intensive personalised support and individualised learning pathways
- →Therapeutic ethos integrated throughout the curriculum rather than bolted-on counselling, with staff trained in trauma-informed practice
Who thrives here
Pupils aged 11–16 (and sixth form) struggling with mainstream school due to anxiety, mental health issues, school refusal, or complex SEND; young people who need a calm, structured, highly supportive environment to rebuild confidence and engagement with learning.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
289 Drayton Road
Norwich, Norfolk
NR3 2PW
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Red Balloon - Norwich?
Day fees at Red Balloon - Norwich are approximately £10,500 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into Red Balloon - Norwich?
Red Balloon - Norwich admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Red Balloon - Norwich's exam results?
At Red Balloon - Norwich, 0% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Red Balloon - Norwich a boarding school?
Red Balloon - Norwich is a day school in Norwich and does not offer boarding.
What is Red Balloon - Norwich's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Red Balloon - Norwich “Good” (2022). This grading is no longer issued — both inspectorates have since changed how they report outcomes.
Further reading
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Staff genuinely understand anxiety and mental health; non-judgmental, compassionate approach transforms pupils' relationship with school
✓Tiny classes and high adult-to-pupil ratio allow real progress for children who have been lost in mainstream
✓Flexible, therapeutic curriculum meets pupils where they are emotionally, not forcing academic pace before readiness
✓Specialist training in trauma and attachment evident; school feels calm and safe rather than pressurised
Common concerns
!Very small cohort may limit peer diversity and social breadth compared to mainstream
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected, so external assurance of standards still to be established
!Limited information on academic pathways and outcomes; pupils' progression routes beyond sixth form unclear
!May not suit families seeking traditional academic rigour or high exam performance focus