Brierley Forest Primary and Nursery School
Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 2HT · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
229th 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 — 0.1/10 against 1,144 of them, against 0.5/10 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 | 20.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.04 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Brierley Forest Primary and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 20.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in December 2025 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 258 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in reading and writing? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Brierley Forest Primary and Nursery School
Overview
The report states that the school "requires significant improvement" because it is "performing significantly less well than it might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform." While leaders have established a "positive, respectful culture" with improved attendance and behaviour, pupils’ academic attainment remains "significantly below the national averages," leaving many "unprepared for secondary education."
Strengths
- Leaders have created a "positive, nurturing environment" where pupils feel "safe, welcome and valued," with a "sharp focus" on supporting those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Attendance has improved to "pre-COVID-19 levels" through "swift" interventions, and behaviour is described as "calm and orderly" with effective responses to bullying.
- The early years curriculum is "well-designed" and "ambitious," helping children overcome low starting points through "rich dialogue" and strong phonics teaching.
- Personal development is "well rounded," with pupils learning about "healthy relationships," "consent," and fundamental British values, supported by a wide range of enrichment activities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure curriculum changes are "embedded quickly and effectively" to achieve "significant, swift and sustained improvement" in achievement, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
- The school must focus on "closing the gaps in pupils' foundational knowledge," especially in writing, and ensure staff resolve errors in spelling and sentence construction "swiftly."
- Governance must provide "precise oversight" of efforts to close attainment gaps, holding leaders to account so all pupils are "well prepared for their next steps."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed," ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 24% |
| 2024/25 | 20% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of NG17 2HT, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT