Samworth Church Academy: Church of England Values Meet Vocational Ambition in Mansfield

From the climbing wall to the fully functioning hairdressing salon, from the animal care unit to the Combined Cadet Force, Samworth Church Academy delivers secondary education with an unusually broad palette. Founded in 2008 when the late Sir David Samworth and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham transformed the former Sherwood Hall School, this Church of England academy serves around 1,000 students aged 11 to 19 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The school sits on a campus with facilities that would surprise many visitors. Membership of the international Round Square organisation adds global exchange opportunities to a curriculum already rich in vocational pathways. The most recent Ofsted inspection in May 2025 rated the sixth form as Good, though the school overall requires improvement. For families seeking a Christian ethos combined with practical, hands-on learning alongside academic study, this academy offers a distinctive proposition.

The academy occupies a site with more history than its 2008 founding date suggests. The Mansfield Secondary Technical School opened here in 1945, housed in Nissen huts left by a US Army Hospital after World War II. The school moved to new premises in 1957, becoming Sherwood Hall Secondary School. Separate technical grammar schools for boys and girls operated on the site before merging in 1976 to form Sherwood Hall Upper School, a comprehensive serving the local community. The current buildings date from later developments, but the technical heritage remains visible in the school's DNA. This is an academy that values practical skills alongside academic achievement.

Five core values shape daily life: Forgiveness, Vocation, Respect, Positivity, and Service. The Christian character is described as distinctively Christian yet tolerant and respectful, welcoming students of all faiths and none. Collective worship forms part of the weekly routine, though parents may request exemption in writing. Accredited religious education is integrated into the curriculum. The Church of England foundation is genuine but not exclusive.

The late Sir David Samworth, President, former Chairman, and co-founder of Samworth Brothers Limited, the food manufacturing company behind Ginsters and Dickinson & Morris, was instrumental in establishing the academy. Following his retirement from business in 2005, he focused on educational projects, co-sponsoring academies with the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Sir David passed away in August 2022, but his name and legacy remain central to the school's identity.

Carl Bennett serves as Head of School, with Clare Barber as Executive Principal overseeing this academy and one other within the Southwell and Nottingham Multi Academy Trust. The leadership structure changed in January 2025 with the formation of a new executive board. Zarina Connolly chairs this board. The trust CEO is Chris Moodie, with John Hunter chairing the board of trustees. This multi-layered governance reflects the academy's position within a broader diocesan family of schools.

The inspection report from May 2025 noted warm, respectful relationships between staff and pupils. Students feel happy and safe. Behaviour has improved since the previous inspection. Pupils demonstrate typical respect toward peers and confidence in reporting bullying concerns. These findings matter because they speak to the lived experience of attending this school, beyond the performance statistics.

Results at GCSE place the academy in the lower tier in England. The average Attainment 8 score of 36.9 sits below the England average of 45.9. Progress 8 at -0.67 indicates pupils make less progress than similar students in England. The school ranks 3,370th out of 4,593 secondary schools in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom 40% in England. Locally, it ranks 8th among secondary schools in Mansfield.

Only 6.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate subjects, compared to an England average of around 40% entering the EBacc. The average EBacc points score of 3.17 falls below the England average of 4.08. These metrics indicate that fewer students here follow the traditional academic pathway through humanities, languages, and sciences that universities often prefer.

The May 2025 Ofsted inspection was direct about academic outcomes. Published results fall significantly below England averages. Expectations for pupil achievement, particularly at Key Stages 3 and 4, remain insufficient. The inspectors found that some pupils do not achieve their potential. The curriculum design is described as ambitious, but implementation in Years 7 to 11 is inconsistent. Work sometimes lacks clear purpose, limiting deep subject learning and connections between topics.

This is honest reporting of a school that has been rated Requires Improvement in three consecutive full inspections, in 2019, 2022, and 2025. A monitoring visit in March 2024 found improvements in behaviour, with positive attitudes to learning and no low-level disruption observed in lessons visited. But academic performance has not yet caught up with the behavioural improvements. Parents should weigh these academic outcomes carefully, understanding that the school has strengths in other areas that may matter equally to some families.

The sixth form tells a different story. Ofsted rated sixth form provision as Good in May 2025, a brighter assessment than the main school judgement. This disparity matters for families choosing between staying at Samworth for post-16 education or seeking alternatives.

At A-level, 32.5% of grades achieved A*-B, compared to an England average of 47.2%. The percentage achieving A* was 1.6%, with 15.1% at A grade and 15.9% at B. These figures place the sixth form 1,980th out of 2,649 sixth forms in England (FindMySchool ranking), which sits in the bottom 40% in England. Locally, it ranks 6th among sixth forms in Mansfield.

The inspection found that students benefit from effective curriculum delivery with strong teaching that supports success. Higher staff expectations distinguish the sixth form experience from the main school. Inspectors noted that the sixth form provides students with effective support and genuinely prepares them for their next steps. This suggests the academy creates a more focused learning environment for post-16 students than for those in Years 7 to 11.

Students choose three Level 3 courses from a broad curriculum. The academy offers 23 A-level subjects alongside five BTEC Level 3 pathways. A-level options include traditional subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, History, and English Literature, alongside Film Studies, Psychology, and Accounting. BTEC courses include Animal Care, Applied Psychology, Applied Science, and Health and Social Care. The Leiths CTH Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery adds a distinctive vocational pathway.

Additionally, students select one enrichment activity during Year 12, and the academy provides weekly enrichment lessons covering personal development and post-18 pathways. Specialised workshops, including support for neurodivergent students, supplement the main curriculum. Biology students have access to residential trips as part of their studies.

This breadth reflects the academy's specialism in Business and Enterprise. The combination of academic A-levels and vocational qualifications allows students to tailor their post-16 education to their strengths and ambitions. For students who struggled academically at GCSE but have specific vocational interests, the sixth form offers genuine pathways to success.

The curriculum offers over 40 optional subjects across the school, a number that reflects the academy's commitment to breadth. Sport, Dance, Music, and Drama are integrated into the curriculum for all students, not reserved for the select few. This philosophy of universal access to creative and physical education aligns with the Round Square principles the school has adopted.

At Key Stage 4, students can pursue traditional GCSEs alongside vocational alternatives. BTEC courses in Animal Management and Health and Social Care sit alongside the NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing and Technical Awards in Hospitality and Hair and Beauty. Construction is available at BTEC Level 1. The GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy option provides a pathway for students who prefer a broader science education. This variety means students can construct a programme that plays to their strengths rather than being forced into a purely academic track.

The May 2025 inspection identified inconsistency in curriculum implementation as a key area for improvement. Checks on pupil understanding are not routinely effective in Years 7 to 11. The quality of learning varies considerably across subjects and classrooms. Some lessons do not help pupils make connections between topics or develop deep subject understanding. Assessment practices show variable expectations regarding work quality.

The disconnect between curriculum design and classroom delivery explains the gap between the school's stated ambitions and its actual outcomes. The curriculum is described as ambitious, but ambitious planning without consistent execution does not translate to strong results.

PSHE and RSHE education form part of the weekly timetable. The school emphasises personal development, with the May 2025 inspection rating this area as Good. Mental health, wellbeing, healthy relationships, and appreciation of diversity receive dedicated attention. The emphasis on personal development alongside academic study reflects the school's broader philosophy of preparing students for life, not just examinations.

Data from the 2023-24 cohort shows 41% of sixth form leavers progressed to university. A further 33% entered employment directly, with 7% taking up apprenticeships and 7% continuing to further education. These diverse destinations reflect the academy's dual focus on academic and vocational pathways.

The school reports that after completing A-levels, 85% of students go into higher education or training, with 27% joining Russell Group universities. These figures suggest a meaningful proportion of sixth formers reach competitive university destinations despite the sixth form's overall ranking.

The academy provides support for university applications, including guidance for those targeting competitive institutions. A dedicated sixth form team assists students with UCAS applications and personal statements. Apprenticeship pathways and employment options also receive dedicated attention. Laura Jones serves as Careers Lead, coordinating guidance across the school. Weekly enrichment lessons cover post-18 pathways alongside personal development.

No Oxbridge data appears in published records, which reflects the cohort profile rather than any ceiling on aspiration. The combination of A-level and BTEC pathways means students leave with qualifications suited to multiple destinations. For students pursuing vocational routes, the workplace experience gained through the hairdressing salon, animal care unit, and professional cookery programme provides genuine employability advantages.

The Published Admission Number for Year 7 is 180. Applications are made through Nottinghamshire County Council, not directly to the school. The application window for September 2026 entry runs from 4 August 2025 to 31 October 2025, with offers issued on 2 March 2026. Families needing support with applications can contact the Nottinghamshire applications helpline at 0300 500 80 80.

The school is oversubscribed. Data shows 574 applications for 185 offers, a ratio of approximately 3.1 applications per place. This demand suggests the academy's distinctive offer resonates with local families despite the academic results. The oversubscription indicates that parents in Mansfield see value in what the school provides beyond examination outcomes.

Looked after and previously looked after children receive highest priority in admissions. Children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school are also admitted. Families wishing to have church commitment considered must complete a Supplementary Information Form in addition to the local authority application. Both parts of the form must be signed and returned directly to the academy.

The academy describes itself as not selective and as a local school for local children. It coordinates with Nottinghamshire County Council for admissions despite its academy status. In-year admissions are also managed through the county council's coordinated scheme for families moving to the area during the academic year.

Sixth Form Admissions

The sixth form has capacity for 250 students, with 125 places available in Year 12. The Published Admission Number for external applicants is 5, representing the minimum guaranteed external places. In practice, if fewer than 120 internal Year 11 students transfer to Year 12, additional external students are admitted up to capacity.

Entry requirements are based on GCSE grades, with specific requirements published for each course. Students choose three Level 3 qualifications from the available A-level and BTEC options, plus one enrichment activity. The academy welcomes both students continuing from Years 7-11 and external applicants joining from other schools. For sixth form enquiries, families can contact 01623 663452 directly.

The May 2025 inspection rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Good and Personal Development as Good. These judgements matter because they describe the daily experience of students beyond academic outcomes. A school rated Good in these areas creates an environment where young people feel supported and can develop socially and emotionally, even if academic outcomes are not yet matching this standard.

Inspectors found warm, respectful relationships between staff and pupils. Students feel happy and safe. The school has improved behaviour since the previous inspection, with a monitoring visit in March 2024 noting positive attitudes to learning and no low-level disruption in lessons visited. A new behaviour policy has raised expectations of pupils' conduct. Pupils had positive attitudes to learning during the monitoring visit, suggesting the behavioural improvements have been sustained.

Safeguarding arrangements are in place. The inspection confirmed this without noting concerns. Adam Cave serves as SENCO, coordinating support for students with special educational needs through the main reception or via the enquiries email.

The school emphasises mental health and wellbeing alongside academic development. Healthy relationships and appreciation of diversity form part of the personal development curriculum. The extensive extracurricular programme contributes to personal development, with activities like bushcraft, fencing, and the Combined Cadet Force building resilience and teamwork. The Christian ethos shapes how pastoral care is delivered, with forgiveness listed as the first of the five core values. This means mistakes are treated as opportunities for growth rather than simply punished.

The extracurricular programme is where Samworth Church Academy most clearly distinguishes itself from other schools in the area. The campus facilities include a climbing wall, high ropes course, Dance Studio, and Drama Pod. These are not just facilities; they are actively used for student activities, community events, and curriculum delivery.

Combined Cadet Force

The academy operates a standalone CCF Contingent with 50 enlisted students. Established in 2017, the contingent has grown to become a significant part of school life. Training covers drill, uniform upkeep, skill at arms, fieldcraft, range firing, first aid, map reading, camp craft, and leadership. Full bore rifle shooting and .22 rifle shooting are available alongside assault course training and command tasks.

The Annual Camp takes place around the start of the summer holidays, offering full military training with Ministry of Defence support. Cadets live under poncho shelters, survive on ration packs, and complete command tasks and challenges. Year 11 cadets have attended week-long leadership expeditions to Loch Eil in Scotland in challenging weather conditions. These cadets then train younger students, creating a leadership pipeline within the programme.

The CCF serves students aged 12 to 18 and provides a pathway to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Activities can lead to vocational qualifications alongside personal development. For students seeking challenge and adventure, the CCF offers experiences rarely available in comprehensive schools.

Round Square

Membership of the international Round Square organisation connects students to schools across the world. The IDEALS framework is embedded into curriculum and activities. Students have attended regional conferences and were invited to the Round Square International Conference in India in 2014, described by participants as a life-changing opportunity. Exchange programmes have taken students to Transylvania, Germany, and Australia.

MAD Day (Make A Difference) sees students working with the Forestry Commission to clear invasive species from local forests, demonstrating practical environmental stewardship. Student councils align with Round Square committees, with designated Student Captains for each of the IDEALS. Students participate in staff appointments, hosting visitors, and observing staff briefings. This involvement in school governance develops leadership skills and gives students genuine responsibility.

Vocational Facilities

The Virtue Salon is a fully functioning hairdressing facility led by an award-winning stylist who has judged the British Hairdressing Awards. Students can study NVQ Level 2 Hairdressing here, gaining real experience with paying clients. The salon is also open to the public at reasonable prices, with free parking and convenient access. This model of learning through real service delivery distinguishes the academy's vocational provision.

The animal care unit supports BTEC courses in Animal Management and Animal Care at both Key Stage 4 and Level 3. Professional cookery training leads to the Leiths CTH qualification. These facilities transform vocational education from theoretical study into genuine workplace experience. Students graduate with skills and confidence that prepare them for immediate employment or further specialist training.

Sport, Music, and Drama

Bushcraft, fencing, Tae Kwondo, and creative writing clubs appear alongside more traditional offerings. The integration of sport, dance, music, and drama into the main curriculum means extracurricular activities build on classroom foundations rather than starting from scratch. Students perform in productions and showcase their creative work throughout the year. The Dance Studio and Drama Pod provide dedicated spaces for rehearsals and performances.

The school day begins at 8:30am and ends at 2:50pm for most students. The academy operates 37.5 hours per week, with compulsory lessons totalling 32.5 hours when Period 6 activities are included.

Breakfast is available for all students between 8:10am and 8:25am. Period 6 activities are timetabled once weekly for Years 7 to 11, extending the day beyond the standard finish. The full academy closure time is 3:40pm. Individual timetables for each year group are published on the school website.

Parents can access information through the MCAS app. A Parent Teacher Friends Association operates alongside formal communication channels. The academy publishes term dates for the current and following academic year on its website.

The academy is located on Sherwood Hall Road in the Sherwood area of Mansfield, postcode NG18 2DY. The campus includes free parking. General enquiries can be directed to 01623 663450 or by email.

Academic outcomes below average. GCSE results place the school in the bottom 40% in England. Progress 8 is negative, meaning pupils make less progress than similar students elsewhere. Three consecutive Requires Improvement ratings since 2019 indicate persistent challenges. Families prioritising academic attainment should weigh these facts carefully before choosing this academy over alternatives.

Leadership in transition. The executive board was formed in January 2025. The Executive Principal took up her role around that time. Leadership and Management was rated Requires Improvement in May 2025. This is a school undergoing change at senior level, which may bring improvements but also creates uncertainty.

Curriculum inconsistency. The inspection found variable quality in Years 7 to 11. Work sometimes lacks clear purpose. Assessment practices are not routinely effective. The ambitious curriculum design has not yet translated into strong outcomes for younger pupils.

Church of England foundation. The Christian ethos is genuine and pervasive. Collective worship is part of school life. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious character should consider whether this environment suits their child, though parents may request exemption from worship.

Samworth Church Academy offers an unusual combination: Church of England values, vocational pathways with genuine workplace facilities, international connections through Round Square, and extracurricular opportunities from CCF to climbing walls. The sixth form is rated Good, with effective teaching and better outcomes than the main school. Behaviour and personal development are also Good, meaning students feel safe and develop beyond academics.

The academic results are the challenge. GCSE outcomes sit well below England averages. The school has been rated Requires Improvement for over five years. Families choosing this academy are choosing strengths in areas beyond examination performance.

Best suited to families who value a Christian ethos, want access to vocational pathways, and prioritise personal development and extracurricular breadth alongside academic study. Students who thrive in practical, hands-on learning may find opportunities here that more academically focused schools do not provide. The facilities for hairdressing, animal care, and professional cookery are genuinely distinctive. The CCF and Round Square membership add dimensions rarely found in state comprehensive schools. Families whose priority is maximising GCSE grades should consider the track record carefully before committing. Parents can use the FindMySchool Comparison Tool to review local alternatives and assess which school best matches their child's needs.