Rufford Primary and Nursery School
Bulwell, NG6 8LE · Nottingham · primary school
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66th 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 — 1.7/10 against 935 of them, against 1.5/10 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 | 49.0 · 17 | 40% | 0.69 |
| 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.
Rufford Primary and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. 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 (1.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Choir, Art and Crafts, Languages, Phonics, ECO, Area Band, and Dance clubs, as well as Football, Multi Sports, and Rounders. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 438 pupils against a stated capacity of 472. 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 strategies are used to help children progress from the expected to the higher standard? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Rufford Primary and Nursery School
Overview
Rufford Primary and Nursery School continues to be a “good school,” described as a “happy school” where pupils understand the ‘Magnificent 7’ values. Leaders maintain high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and staff well-being is prioritised.
Strengths
- The school has designed an “ambitious curriculum” that ensures learning becomes “more sophisticated over time,” with staff breaking learning into “manageable steps.”
- Reading is given a “central place in the curriculum,” with a “well-sequenced phonics programme” ensuring pupils do not fall behind.
- Staff support pupils with SEND effectively, helping them “learn the curriculum alongside their peers.”
- Leaders keep staff well-being “high on the agenda,” listening to views and working to “reduce workload.”
- The school provides a “large range of wider opportunities,” including trips and clubs, which help pupils develop leadership skills and cultural understanding.
Areas to improve
- Teachers should ensure tasks are “precisely matched to their understanding” so pupils can move their learning on at the “most appropriate point” and retain knowledge better.
- The school must ensure all pupils understand what respectful behaviours are, as “not all pupils demonstrate these behaviours consistently” and some do not treat each other with the respect they deserve.
Safeguarding
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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 49% |
| 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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