Samuel Barlow Primary Academy
Mansfield, NG21 9DF · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
217th 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 — 1.2/10 against 1,948 of them, against 1.3/10 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 | 31.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.13 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Samuel Barlow Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (1.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 261 pupils against a stated capacity of 354. 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 steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard? How does the new Ofsted framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Samuel Barlow Primary Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils feel "safe, happy and cared for," with strong routines and a positive culture. However, it notes that "pupils do not achieve as well as they should," with attainment remaining "too low" and teaching quality being "variable across the school."
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Early years provision is effective, with children settling quickly in a "calm and welcoming environment" and making "secure progress."
- Leaders have a "clear and strategic approach to attendance," successfully reducing persistent absence through family engagement.
- Staff build "respectful relationships" with pupils, providing effective wellbeing support such as "LEGO therapy" and "worry work."
- The curriculum is "well-sequenced," with early reading prioritised and most pupils enjoying reading and growing in confidence.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers "consistently identify and swiftly address gaps and misconceptions" in pupils' knowledge, particularly in spelling, handwriting, and grammar.
- Leaders should ensure all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, "make suitable progress from their starting points."
- Leaders should continue to reduce levels of persistent absence, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 32% |
| 2024/25 | 31% |
| 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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