The Carlton Academy Review 2026: Excellence for All in Nottingham

Located in the suburb of Carlton, just east of Nottingham city centre, The Carlton Academy has established itself as a highly sought-after choice for local families. As a member of the Redhill Academy Trust, the school operates under the motto "Excellence for All", a commitment visible in its structured environment and consistently strong GCSE outcomes. With nearly 1,200 students, including a growing sixth form, it combines the resources of a large academy with a distinct community feel driven by its house system.

The campus on Coningswath Road blends established educational blocks with significant recent investment, including a dedicated science centre and the purpose-built Sixth Form Centre. The environment is purposeful and orderly, reflecting the "warm strict" ethos often associated with the Redhill Academy Trust. Students wear smart maroon blazers, and the visual identity of the school is sharp and professional.

Mr Dan Philpotts serves as Headteacher, leading a team that balances high academic expectations with pastoral support. The school's identity is anchored in its six houses: Carnarvon, Cavendish, Grove, Hollinsclough, Hutchinson, and Messent. These aren't just administrative groupings; they are the engines of school life, driving competition in everything from sports to the performing arts.

The ethos is one of high expectations. Behaviour policies are clear, and there is a tangible focus on resilience and responsibility. The facilities match this ambition, particularly the Carlton Academy Theatre, which serves as a hub for the school’s vibrant performing arts culture, and the floodlit 4G pitch which supports a strong sporting tradition.

Academic performance at GCSE is a clear strength. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.9, exceeding the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.03 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with or slightly above national expectations from their starting points.

Ranked 1,399th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), The Carlton Academy sits in the top 30% of schools nationally, placing it in the 'national typical' band.

At A-level, the picture is solid with pockets of excellence. In 2024, 42% of grades were A*-B. While this is slightly below the England average of 47%, the school successfully supports students onto competitive pathways. The academic rigour is evident in the science and maths departments, which are popular at A-level.

The curriculum follows a three-year Key Stage 3, allowing students to develop a deep grounding in subjects before narrowing their choices. Teaching is structured and consistent, utilizing the trust’s pedagogical principles which emphasise clear modelling, memory recall, and regular feedback.

In classrooms, the atmosphere is focused. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, and the recent refurbishment of science laboratories has enhanced practical learning. The school operates a 'knowledge-rich' curriculum, where students are expected to master core content thoroughly, supported by 'knowledge organisers' for homework and revision.

The Sixth Form is a launchpad for diverse futures. In 2024, 44% of leavers progressed to university, while 31% moved directly into employment and 5% secured apprenticeships.

For the most ambitious, the pathway to elite universities is open. In the 2024 cycle, seven students submitted Oxbridge applications, with one student successfully securing and accepting a place at Cambridge. This demonstrates that for self-motivated students, the school provides the necessary guidance to access top-tier institutions.

Admissions are coordinated by Nottinghamshire County Council. The Carlton Academy is heavily oversubscribed; in the most recent cycle, 622 applications were received for just 257 places, a subscription ratio of 2.4 applications per place.

Places are allocated based on strict criteria: looked-after children first, followed by siblings of current students, and then distance from the school. The last distance offered varies annually but is typically tight due to local demand. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is delivered through the vertical house system. Tutor groups are mixed-age, allowing older students to mentor younger peers and fostering a sense of "family" within each house.

The school takes wellbeing seriously, employing a dedicated student services team and an on-site counsellor. The 2022 Ofsted inspection noted that students feel safe and that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively. The school has also achieved recognition for its mental health support structures.

Extracurricular life is a major pillar of the school's offer. The Carlton Academy Theatre hosts regular productions, allowing students to perform in a professional-grade venue. The annual House Arts competition is a highlight, involving hundreds of students in dance, drama, and music.

Sport is equally strong, with the 4G pitch and sports hall supporting teams in football, netball, and basketball. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is thriving, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver awards, and a dedicated number pushing through to Gold.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:05pm. Located in Carlton, the school is well-connected by Nottingham City Transport bus routes (Red Line 25 and 27), making it accessible for students across the eastern suburbs of Nottingham. There is no dedicated school bus service.

Oversubscription: With over two applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families living outside the immediate catchment area should manage expectations and have a backup plan.

Strict Policies: As part of the Redhill Academy Trust, the school enforces strict policies on uniform, mobile phones, and behaviour. Families should be comfortable with a "high expectations" culture before applying.

Sixth Form Mix: While GCSE results are consistently strong, A-level performance is mixed compared to national averages. However, the pastoral support and leadership opportunities in the Sixth Form are excellent.

The Carlton Academy offers a structured, ambitious, and supportive environment where students are pushed to achieve. It balances the resources of a large academy with the personal touch of a strong house system. Best suited to families who value a disciplined, traditional education and want a school with a genuine community heartbeat. The main challenge is securing a place.