Carlton Academy
Nottingham, NG4 3SH · Nottinghamshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 45 secondary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.3/10 against 879 of them, against 6.3/10 nationally. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 53.3 · 70 | 30% | 2.09 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.03 · 52 | 25% | 1.31 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 50.2 · 71 | 10% | 0.71 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Carlton Academy overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. In 2024/25, 46.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.03 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh award, take instrument and music lessons, and perform in the School Show. Trips include visits to Valencia, Walesby, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the Halle Orchestra, the West End, Birmingham Sea Life, Sherwood Observatory, and Holderness. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,354 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,000. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the various trips and clubs funded or organised for families?
What Ofsted said about Carlton Academy
Overview
Carlton Academy continues to be a good school, sitting proudly at the heart of the community where pupils are flourishing. Leaders have designed a curriculum focused on local needs, ensuring pupils develop the knowledge and skills to achieve their potential. The school fosters an inclusive environment where pupils feel safe, happy, and accepted for who they are.
Strengths
- Pupils have "positive and respectful relationships with staff" and benefit from high expectations that encourage them to rise to the occasion.
- The curriculum is carefully structured, with subject leaders identifying "essential knowledge" that builds pupils’ understanding and prepares them for life beyond school.
- Behaviour is managed consistently and fairly, meaning "learning is rarely disrupted" and pupils show positive attitudes to their studies.
- The school offers a broad range of extra-curricular activities and wider development opportunities, helping pupils develop new talents and interests.
- Sixth form students hold the provision in high regard, benefiting from expert subject knowledge and dedicated study areas.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all teachers present information clearly, as some currently present too much at once, overloading pupils’ working memory.
- In a few subjects, feedback is not precise enough; leaders must ensure teachers give all pupils precise feedback to deepen their knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and leaders working closely with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.9 |
| 2024/25 | 45.1 |
| 2025/26 | 50.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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