The Sir Donald Bailey Academy
Newark, NG24 4EP · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
104th 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 — 7.4/10 against 699 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Sir Donald Bailey 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 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in August 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club and an after-school club. Pupils take part in a Year 6 trip to Scarborough and a Year 4 visit to Robinwood.
Getting in
The published school roll is 507 pupils against a stated capacity of 585. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the curriculum prepare Year 6 students for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about The Sir Donald Bailey Academy
Overview
The Sir Donald Bailey Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils feel safe, happy, and engaged in an ambitious curriculum. Leaders welcome pupils warmly each morning, fostering a kind and respectful environment that is deeply embedded in the local community.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with local links such as visits to the National Civil War Museum helping to bring learning to life.
- Teachers have "good subject knowledge" and use effective resources, ensuring many pupils "know and remember more."
- Reading instruction is highly effective; staff are "early reading experts" who ensure books are "well matched to the sounds they know."
- Children in the early years "get off to a flying start," developing a strong grasp of number and creativity through well-planned activities.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the full curriculum, with leaders ensuring their needs are accurately identified and supported.
Areas to improve
- In a few foundation subjects, "essential knowledge that pupils need to know is not yet well identified," hindering their ability to understand larger concepts.
- Assessment in some subjects is "not precise enough," leaving some pupils with "unidentified gaps in their knowledge" that are not addressed.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to recognise signs of need and leaders taking "appropriate and swift action" to protect pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 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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