Nottingham University Samworth Academy
Nottingham, NG8 4HY · Nottingham · secondary school
Check the area around this school
10th of 19 secondary schools in Nottingham 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 — 5.1/10 against 296 of them, against 2.6/10 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 | 41.4 · 41 | 30% | 1.23 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.61 · 11 | 25% | 0.28 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.9 · 19 | 10% | 0.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Nottingham University Samworth Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in July 2023. In 2024/25, 35.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 40.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.61 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils play football, handball, netball, tennis, rounders, and urban hockey. Trips include visits to Wembley, Wimbledon, and the Champions League, alongside sports tours and Elite league netball.
Getting in
The published school roll is 841 pupils against a stated capacity of 950. 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 to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific strategies are used to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds?
What Ofsted said about Nottingham University Samworth Academy
Overview
Nottingham University Samworth Academy continues to be a good school, characterised by a "cheerful and friendly" atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders have established a clear vision to ensure pupils have the confidence to "write their own story" through a well-constructed curriculum and strong pastoral support. The inspection confirms that the school provides high-quality training for staff and maintains effective systems for pupil development.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy "positive relationships with staff" and each other, fostering an inclusive environment where they feel proud to belong.
- Reading is "fundamental to the curriculum," with confident readers and effective interventions supporting those who need extra help.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "strong," with needs identified quickly and accurately.
- Staff are described as "inspirational" and feel supported, contributing to a culture where everyone works hard and is kind.
- Sixth-form students benefit from a "strong programme for personal development" and an expanding range of courses.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teaching approaches are consistent across all curriculum areas, as some are at "earlier stages of development" and do not consistently allow pupils to embed key concepts.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "well-established culture of care and vigilance" and systems that respond swiftly to concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 38.4 |
| 2024/25 | 40.5 |
| 2025/26 | 39.9 |
| 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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