St Swithun's Church of England Primary Academy
Retford, DN22 6LD · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
212nd 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 2.7/10 against 1,237 of them, against 2.2/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.03 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Swithun's Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 17.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 92 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 steps are taken to raise attainment in maths? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about St Swithun's Church of England Primary Academy
Overview
The report states that the school "requires significant improvement" because it is "performing significantly less well than it might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform." While pupils are described as happy and safe, their achievement is weak, with national test outcomes "significantly below national figures." Leaders have begun making strategic changes, but these improvements are at an early stage and have not yet raised standards sufficiently.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Attendance is improving due to "tighter systems" and leaders who "identify barriers and respond with suitable support."
- Pupils enjoy a "wide range of enrichment opportunities," including clubs and residential trips, which help them "grow in confidence."
- Staff build "warm and caring relationships" with pupils, and bullying concerns are dealt with "promptly."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must raise expectations in reading, writing, and mathematics to narrow gaps in basic skills, as too many pupils "struggle with phonics, early writing, number facts and handwriting."
- Teaching quality and behaviour expectations are inconsistent; leaders must ensure staff apply strategies and routines "with consistency" so learning is not disrupted.
- Support for vulnerable pupils and those with special educational needs is variable; leaders need to check that adjustments are used consistently across all classes.
Safeguarding
The 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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 36% |
| 2024/25 | 17% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DN22 6LD, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT