The Python Hill Academy
Mansfield, NG21 0JZ · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st 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 — 8.8/10 against 2,230 of them, against 7.5/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Python Hill Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 11.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Role Play, Cars / Car Mat, Board Games, Puzzles, Construction, and Reading & Listening to Stories clubs, play Field Games, and attend residential visits. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 307 pupils against a stated capacity of 350. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the residential visits? How is the after-school club structured for children who need wraparound care?
What Ofsted said about The Python Hill Academy
Overview
The Python Hill Academy is described as a ‘warm, welcoming environment’ where pupils feel ‘happy, secure and confident’. Leaders have driven significant improvements since the school’s conversion, resulting in strong achievement in core subjects and a positive ethos. The report notes that while the curriculum is well-established in key areas, it requires further development across all subjects to ensure consistent high standards.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a ‘positive ethos’ and ‘calm and busy’ lessons, with staff expecting high standards of behaviour.
- Achievement in English and mathematics has ‘improved significantly’ due to a clear, well-sequenced curriculum.
- Reading is a high priority; pupils receive ‘daily, systematic phonics teaching’ and develop into ‘fluent, confident readers’.
- The early years provision is ‘strong’, with skilled staff helping children settle quickly and develop secure knowledge.
- Staff receive good support for workload and well-being, with regular opportunities for training and sharing best practice.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is ‘fully planned and sequenced in all subjects’, as content in some foundation subjects is currently ‘uncertain’ and implementation is ‘weak or sporadic’.
- The religious education curriculum is not implemented in full, leaving pupils with a ‘limited understanding of a range of faiths and cultures’.
- Leaders should better support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development to prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring it is ‘at the forefront of everything’ through detailed records, regular training, and quick responses to concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 87% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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