John Blow Primary School
Newark, NG23 7PT · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
66th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.2/10 against 3,780 of them, against 6.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John Blow Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 11.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 192 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
How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about John Blow Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are happy, polite, and respectful, demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning. Leaders have high expectations for behaviour and have developed a curriculum that prioritises resilience, collaboration, and curiosity. The inspection concludes that the quality of education, behaviour, personal development, and leadership are all effective, with pupils achieving well and feeling safe.
Strengths
- Pupils show "positive attitudes" and are "polite and respectful," with bullying being "rare."
- Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge" and plan "interesting lessons" that help pupils deepen their understanding over time.
- Early reading is taught "consistently well," with all staff supporting pupils who struggle to catch up quickly.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "fully included" and can access the full curriculum through adapted teaching.
- Leaders promote wider development effectively, including age-appropriate relationships, sex and health education, and respect for diversity.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is "successfully implemented in all subjects," as teachers do not always set work in the planned order, hindering sequential knowledge building.
- Assessment use is "inconsistent," with checks in some subjects failing to focus on important knowledge or accurately identify misconceptions.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with robust systems for recording concerns and appropriate checks on all employees.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 100% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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