The Elizabethan Academy
Retford, DN22 7PY · Nottinghamshire · secondary school
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31st of 45 secondary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score. 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 — 3.9/10 against 855 of them, against 3.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 46.4 · 54 | 30% | 1.62 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.46 · 18 | 25% | 0.44 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.9 · 34 | 10% | 0.33 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Elizabethan Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in March 2024. In 2024/25, 35.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.46 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8 out of 10 among them, against 2.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and CrossFit, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,230 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,458. 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 steps are taken to improve progress scores for students from similar backgrounds? How does the after-school club integrate with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme?
What Ofsted said about The Elizabethan Academy
Overview
The Elizabethan Academy is described as an inclusive school with high expectations, where pupils behave well and feel safe. The report highlights a well-planned curriculum, strong personal development opportunities, and effective leadership, noting that attendance is improving.
Strengths
- The school is "calm and orderly," with pupils who are polite, respectful, and confident that staff deal with behaviour issues fairly.
- A "well-planned curriculum" provides broad access to subjects, including full English baccalaureate options, with specific support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Pupils benefit from extensive personal development through weekly enrichment lessons, extra-curricular activities, and opportunities to contribute to school life.
- Sixth-form students receive an "ambitious curriculum" delivered by teachers with "excellent subject knowledge," preparing them well for their next steps.
- Trustees provide "effective challenge and support," and staff feel well supported in their professional development.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must systematically check pupils’ understanding of prior learning to address gaps, as some pupils do not achieve as well as they could.
- Teachers should ensure pupils use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar and present work to a high standard, as repeated errors currently persist.
- The school needs to develop pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values to better prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 37.6 |
| 2024/25 | 41.1 |
| 2025/26 | 42.9 |
| 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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