Foxbridge Primary School

Foxbridge Primary School is a relatively new state primary in Castle Donington, opened as a free school in August 2022 and now part of Scholars Academy Trust. Its own strapline, “Nurture, empower, succeed”, signals the intent, build confidence early, then raise ambition as pupils move through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

For parents, the most helpful current picture comes from two sources, the school’s admissions data, which shows demand already outstripping places, and the first full inspection, which judged every area at Good. If you want a newer school with an established leadership team, a clear curriculum model, and wraparound care built into the offer, Foxbridge is a serious contender.

Because Foxbridge opened in 2022, the culture is still being shaped in real time. The headteacher, Mrs Pamela Bridgwood, positions the school as both nurturing and academically purposeful, with a consistent emphasis on vocabulary development from the earliest years and a curriculum designed to be carefully sequenced through Key Stage 1 and 2. That matters for families who want reassurance that “new school” does not mean “making it up as we go”.

The inspection evidence points to a calm and orderly day-to-day experience, with pupils trying hard and achieving well, including pupils with SEND who access the same opportunities as their peers. The school also makes a point of learning beyond the classroom, including outdoor learning and community experiences, which can be particularly valuable for pupils who learn best through concrete, hands-on contexts.

Leadership visibility is clear on published information too. Mrs Bridgwood is named as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, which is practical reassurance for parents who want to know exactly who holds key responsibilities.

Foxbridge does not yet have the typical depth of published end-of-Key-Stage results data that older primary schools can draw on, and it is not currently ranked for primary outcomes. That is not unusual for a new school whose first cohorts are still working through the year groups.

Ofsted inspected in February 2025 and judged Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Early years provision all as Good. In practical terms, that supports the view that the school’s curriculum design and routines are working as intended, and that the experience is settled enough to deliver consistent teaching rather than constant reinvention.

If you are comparing options locally, the most useful next step is to watch for the first full set of published Year 6 outcomes once Foxbridge has a complete cohort reaching the end of Key Stage 2, then benchmark those against other local primaries using FindMySchool’s comparison tools.

The clearest teaching signature here is language. The headteacher foregrounds vocabulary development as a defining feature in the early years, alongside a balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning, with play treated as central to wellbeing and development rather than a bolt-on.

As pupils move into Key Stage 1 and 2, the school describes a sequenced curriculum designed around what local children need, with outdoor learning used as a regular vehicle for enrichment rather than an occasional treat. This matters for two types of pupil in particular. First, those who benefit from repeated exposure and cumulative knowledge building. Second, those who can find abstract learning difficult without concrete experiences and purposeful talk.

Because Foxbridge is a primary school, the key “destination” question is secondary transfer at Year 7. Castle Donington College is the local 11–16 comprehensive and, importantly, Foxbridge Primary School is listed as a designated feeder primary school in the college’s admissions policy.

That does not remove the need to engage seriously with admissions rules and timing, but it does help parents understand the most likely mainstream route for many pupils. As Foxbridge cohorts mature, it will also become easier to see typical patterns for the wider spread of secondary choices across Leicestershire and neighbouring areas.

Demand is already meaningful for a relatively young primary. In the supplied admissions data, the Reception entry route shows 60 applications for 30 offers, which equates to roughly 2 applications per place and an oversubscribed position.

For September 2027 entry, applications are coordinated by Leicestershire County Council and must be submitted by 15 January 2027, with offers released on 16 April 2027. This is exactly the kind of situation where parents should avoid assumptions and instead work backwards from the Local Authority timetable, especially if you are moving house.

A practical tip: if you are distance-sensitive, use FindMySchool’s Map Search to check your distance to the school gate accurately before you rely on proximity.

The school’s public-facing materials emphasise nurturing alongside high expectations, with early years routines designed around confidence, language, and wellbeing. The safeguarding information describes an approach built around an open, supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to raise worries and report concerns.

Operationally, the fact that the headteacher is named as the Designated Safeguarding Lead is helpful for parents, because it clarifies accountability and points to safeguarding being treated as central, not delegated into the background.

Foxbridge highlights enrichment that is designed to broaden horizons, including meeting visiting experts, learning outdoors, and learning in the community. The school also references a range of clubs that support pupils’ interests and talents, which matters in a new school, because clubs are often where school culture becomes visible fastest.

One specific example of enrichment is its British Science Week activity, with a STEM week and exhibition where pupils created and presented their work. For pupils who thrive on making and explaining, events like this can be a confidence accelerator, and for quieter pupils it can provide a structured reason to speak up, present, and collaborate.

The school day begins at 8.45am and ends at 3.15pm, with the site opening at 8.35am. Wraparound is available, with breakfast club from 7.30am, and before-and-after school care running from 7.30am to 5.30pm through an external provider. Published session prices are £5.50 for before-school care and £8.50 for after-school care (both noted as subject to annual review).

Given the Castle Donington location, day-to-day practicality will hinge on your commute patterns and whether wraparound slots match your working day, especially as demand rises as the school fills.

• A newer school, still building track record. Opened in August 2022, Foxbridge has less long-term outcomes data than established local primaries. For some families, that feels exciting; for others, it feels uncertain.

• Competition for places is real. The supplied admissions figures show 60 applications for 30 offers at the main entry point, with an oversubscribed status. This may tighten further as local housing completes.

• Wraparound is provided via an external partner. The hours are strong, but families who want school-run childcare should read the arrangements carefully and factor in costs and booking processes.

• Secondary transfer planning still matters early. Foxbridge is a designated feeder for Castle Donington College, but secondary admissions are separate and still require active planning and timely applications.

Foxbridge Primary School has made a convincing start for a young free school: a clear curriculum story (especially around language), a calm and orderly learning environment, and a first inspection profile that indicates solid foundations across every major area. Best suited to families in and around Castle Donington who want a modern state primary with wraparound options and a culture built deliberately from the early years upwards. The main constraint is admission, because demand already exceeds places.