Diss High School is a mixed 11 – 18 school situated in the south Norfolk town of Diss. With a well-deserved reputation for being a consistently ‘Good’ school, academic standards are high, and students gain places at Oxford and Cambridge every year. Governors are equally proud of those students following apprenticeship routes into their chosen careers. A larger than average size for a secondary school, the school will provide 1,200 places for secondary school students between the ages of 11-18 when fully subscribed.

The School is situated on the north-eastern edge of the town on an attractive 32-acre site and is well provided with playing fields. Specialist facilities include a good Library, Drama Studios, Music Suite, Art Studios, Workshops, Laboratories, Technology Rooms, Media Suite and a Conference Centre. Sixth Form students use specialist facilities in the main school, but also have a tutorial and social base, with some teaching accommodation, in ‘Uplands House’ – an adapted large Edwardian House on the school campus.

The pastoral system is year based with Heads of Year supported by an Assistant Head of Year and responsible for teams of tutors in each year group. These teams move with their year group through the School from Years 7-11. There is a separate tutor team for Sixth Form students. The efficiency and effectiveness of the pastoral system is generally regarded as a major strength of this school.

Headteacher

Mr Sam Stopps

Values and Vision

Diss High School’s motto is “Work Hard- Be Kind”. It is a welcoming and friendly school that always encourages its students to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. It is a school that is based in tradition, but also about looking forward, with a focus on the individual skills and talents of each pupil to help get the most out of all its learners. It has a high-quality pastoral system to ensure that all students enjoy their time studying.

Ofsted

“Teachers use their good knowledge of what students know and can do to provide interesting and well-planned lessons so that students make good progress. Senior and subject leaders use effective systems to track students’ progress so that any in danger of falling behind quickly receive support. The action taken by governors and senior leaders to remove poor teaching has led to better teaching and achievement throughout the school. [Students] have positive attitudes to learning.”

Quotes

·         “I just wanted to thank all staff at Diss High School for their support and encouragement given to my three children during their time at the school from 2011 to 2022. I particularly want to praise the Learning Support Department”

Parent, Summer 2022.

·         ‘This is a great school; both my children are flourishing academically, socially and emotionally.’

Ofsted online questionnaire, Parent View, 2018.