Mercer's Wood Academy
Gainsborough, DN21 2PD · Lincolnshire · primary school
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219th of 252 primary schools in Lincolnshire we can score, 279 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 — 0.8/10 against 244 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 29.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Mercer's Wood Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% 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 (0.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 157 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 below the expected standard in literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school maintain engagement for students during the transition from Key Stage 1 to 2?
What Ofsted said about Mercer's Wood Academy
Overview
Mercer’s Wood Academy is described as a school where pupils thrive in a "caring and calm school environment" and enjoy positive relationships based on "mutual respect." The report highlights that leaders have worked tirelessly to secure "significant school improvement" since the previous inspection, fostering a culture where pupils are happy and proud to be part of the community.
Strengths
- The curriculum is detailed and well-sequenced, with teachers using regular assessments and "retrieval practice" to ensure pupils retain key knowledge.
- Leaders are ambitious for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access the same curriculum as their classmates with timely support.
- Reading is given a high profile, with systematic phonics teaching and daily story times that generate enthusiasm among pupils.
- Pupils receive comprehensive personal development education, learning about health, safety, British values, and respect for different backgrounds.
- Staff benefit from effective training and manageable workloads, while governors and trustees hold leaders to account effectively.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure reading books are closely matched to the sounds pupils know, so all learners can read with fluency and confidence.
- Leaders must work closely with parents and carers to address the significant number of pupils who are persistently absent and miss considerable teaching time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff receive thorough training and pass concerns on swiftly to ensure pupils receive necessary help.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 27% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| 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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