Ordsall Primary School
Retford, DN22 7SL · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
162nd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.2/10 against 2,257 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.79 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 1.0 · 21 | 25% | 0.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ordsall Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 1.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022. 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 (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 576 pupils against a stated capacity of 594. 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 maths? What specific steps are taken to raise the proportion of pupils reaching the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Ordsall Primary School
Overview
Ordsall Primary School is described as a place where pupils, staff, and parents are proud, with a “calm and purposeful atmosphere” and positive behaviour. While the overall effectiveness is rated as Good, the report highlights that the curriculum is not yet fully planned and sequenced in all subjects, and early years provision requires improvement. Leaders are actively remodelling the curriculum to ensure pupils retain knowledge effectively over time.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy school, describing it as a “safe place” where staff are “friendly and supportive”.
- Behaviour is positive, with pupils who find tasks tricky encouraged to “dig in” and learn from mistakes.
- The early reading programme is well established, with regular staff training and books matched to pupils’ known sounds.
- Pupils have a wide range of opportunities for personal development, including clubs and lessons on values, tolerance, and online safety.
- Staff feel supported by leaders, who promote well-being, communication, and teamwork.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum must be sufficiently planned and sequenced in all subjects, with key concepts broken down into small units to aid recall.
- Leaders need to complete the curriculum review process within their identified timescale.
- Independent activities in the early years are not sufficiently challenging, and adults must intervene more quickly to support communication and language skills.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with robust systems for recording information, appropriate checks for adults, and regular staff training on reporting concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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