Bracken Lane Primary Academy
Retford, DN22 7EU · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
49th of 229 primary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score, 286 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.9/10 against 3,977 of them, against 7.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 72.0 · 71 | 41% | 2.92 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 33% | 1.71 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 26% | 2.10 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bracken Lane Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 14.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 233 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How does the curriculum adapt to the diverse needs of the current intake?
What Ofsted said about Bracken Lane Primary Academy
Overview
Bracken Lane Primary Academy continues to be a good school, characterised by a strong sense of community where pupils, parents, and staff feel like "a family". Pupils are described as happy, confident, and keen learners who feel safe and trust adults to resolve any concerns. The school provides a broad curriculum with high-quality support for reading, mathematics, and early years development.
Strengths
- Pupils are "keen readers" who read with "fluency and confidence", supported by well-taught phonics and carefully selected books.
- The mathematics curriculum is "well planned", with teachers possessing "strong subject knowledge" and helping pupils build systematic understanding.
- Children in the Nursery and Reception settle quickly into "stimulating" classes with "very positive" relationships and skilful adult support.
- Leaders ensure all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, have access to the same broad curriculum with appropriate adaptations.
- Staff receive continuous training and share expertise, fostering a collaborative culture where new staff are quickly supported.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, including history, teachers do not routinely enable pupils to apply their knowledge to "more complex ideas", limiting achievement.
- New curriculum leaders for foundation subjects lack the necessary expertise to lead subject development and improve the curriculum effectively.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training, sharing information quickly, and working tenaciously with other agencies to secure support for children.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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