Nottingham Free School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school In a short period of time, the school has quickly and rightly established a strong local reputation. It is highly valued by parents and pupils.

Leaders, governors and trustees have ensured that their high academic aspirations for pupils are matched by very strong pastoral and academic support. The headteacher is highly respected by the pupils, staff and parents. She leads the school with energy and intelligence.

Her openness, warmth and determination that all pupils should succeed is recognised across the school community. The school's small size means that leaders and teachers know each of the pupils very well. This results in pupils who... need extra help being quickly identified and provided with the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

Disadvantaged pupils, including those who are looked after, are extremely well supported. This is also the case for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. As a result, these pupils make the same strong progress as others.

The extended school day is used very effectively to strengthen pupils' independence, develop good learning habits and their self-discipline and to consolidate pupils' learning. The extensive and varied enrichment programme makes a strong contribution to pupils' personal development and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Very effective safeguarding arrangements ensure that pupils are kept safe at school.

A strong programme of personal, social and health education (PSHE) equips pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and manage the changing risks they face as they become teenagers. Pupils report that bullying is rare. Pupils are well informed about a wide range of career paths.

Good strategies are in place to highlight opportunities for higher education and training, particularly to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pupils' attendance is above average and their behaviour is mostly good. On the few occasions where teaching is less effective, some pupils do not behave well enough.

The proportion of pupils who are excluded from school for a short period of time is higher than average. Good-quality teaching, combined with excellent pastoral and academic support is resulting in outstanding outcomes for pupils. The quality of teaching in science is currently less consistent and weaker than in other subjects.

Hence teaching is good rather than outstanding. Teachers do not always ensure that pupils present their work neatly enough.

Information about this school

Nottingham Free School opened in September 2014 with its first intake of Year 7 pupils.

It has grown in each year and currently provides education for pupils in Years 7 to 9. Pupils currently in Year 9 will progress to Year 10 in September and the school's sixth form will open in September 2019. The school is much smaller than the average secondary school.

Just over half of the pupils are from white British backgrounds. Other pupils come from diverse backgrounds. Approximately one-fifth of pupils have Pakistani heritage.

The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium is very close to the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average, as is the proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan. The school is part of Nova Education Trust.

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish. The school does not currently use any alternative providers.