Dovecote Primary and Nursery School
Nottingham, NG11 8EY · Nottingham · primary school
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73rd of 73 primary schools in Nottingham we can score, 74 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 — 0.2/10 against 1,483 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 | 27.0 · 2 | 62% | 0.12 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dovecote Primary and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 27.0% 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 (0.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Area Band, Salsa Jazz, and Inter-Connect clubs, or take instrumental tuition and Grade groups. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 288 pupils against a stated capacity of 270. 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 provided for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How are the instrumental tuition groups structured for different skill levels?
What Ofsted said about Dovecote Primary and Nursery School
Overview
The report states that the "quality of education... is not yet good enough," with many pupils failing to achieve expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics by the end of key stage 2. While the school has implemented recent improvements and maintains strong pastoral relationships, inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and behaviour management hinder pupil progress.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe, with "strong relationships between pupils and staff" and access to high-quality pastoral support such as ‘The Treehouse’.
- Staff use visual aids effectively to help pupils understand new vocabulary, benefiting those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The school has improved its oversight of phonics, providing immediate support if pupils fall behind.
- Governors have "clear plans in place to bring about the necessary improvements" and work alongside the Nottingham Schools Trust.
- Staff appreciate improved support for their well-being and workload.
Areas to improve
- The school must embed recent curriculum improvements to ensure pupils attain well in core subjects at the end of Year 6.
- Staff must implement the curriculum effectively so that work is well-matched to aims and builds on prior knowledge, rather than being too easy or too hard.
- The school must ensure gaps in learning are identified and resolved swiftly through closer assessment and checking.
- Staff behaviour expectations must be consistently high to deal effectively with low-level disruption and disrespectful behaviour.
- The school should embed new attendance systems to reduce the proportion of pupils absent from school.
- Personal development provision must be reviewed to ensure pupils develop an understanding of equality, diversity, and British values.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 27% |
| 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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