The Minster School
Southwell, NG25 0LG · Nottinghamshire · middle school
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6th of 45 secondary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 500 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.7/10 among them, against 8.0/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 62.9 · 85 | 30% | 2.54 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.3 · 73 | 25% | 1.82 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.5 · 86 | 10% | 0.86 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Minster School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023. In 2024/25, 57.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.3 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better 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 4.0 out of 10 among them, against 7.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh and Student Leadership programmes. Music provision includes instrumental and vocal tuition, examinations, choral and orchestral sessions, and specific groups for woodwind, brass, and strings. The school also organises international residential trips, overseas visits, and day visits to local places.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,616 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,651. 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 improve their progress scores relative to similar-intake schools? What specific support is available for students aiming for music examinations?
What Ofsted said about The Minster School
Overview
The Minster School is described as a well-led institution where pupils appreciate a "calm, orderly and focused ethos." Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in strong academic achievement and exceptional personal development opportunities for students across all year groups.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "very positive" conduct, with bullying being rare and staff addressing issues appropriately.
- The curriculum is "broad and deep," with teachers skilfully building knowledge over time, particularly in subjects like mathematics and music.
- Personal development is rated as outstanding, offering "exceptional" opportunities for spiritual, moral, and career preparation.
- Sixth-form provision is outstanding, with students receiving excellent support and being "very well prepared for their next steps."
- Staff are committed to pupils’ lives, creating an inclusive culture that parents and carers value highly.
Areas to improve
- The school must fully consolidate processes to identify the needs of all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Provision for pupils with SEND has not yet been fully embedded across the main school, meaning not all receive the "very highest quality provision."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 51.6 |
| 2024/25 | 55.9 |
| 2025/26 | 55.5 |
| 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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