Nottingham Free School Review 2026: Academic Ambition in a Restored Landmark

Nottingham Free School occupies a striking piece of industrial heritage, the refurbished Courtaulds factory building in Sherwood. Since opening in 2014, the school has established a reputation for high expectations and a structured, traditional approach to education. Serving approximately 620 students across the secondary and post 16 phases, it offers a smaller, more intimate environment than many of the city's larger comprehensives. In the current GCSE dataset, its results sit above the national midpoint on FindMySchool’s ranking, a position that reflects a consistent upward trajectory under the leadership of the Nova Education Trust.

The physical environment sets a distinctive tone. The high ceilings and large windows of the former lace factory create light filled classrooms that feel purposeful rather than institutional. It is a school that wears its history with pride while operating as a modern academic hub. The atmosphere is calm and orderly, a result of the school's commitment to "The Nottingham Free School Way," which emphasises work ethic, respect, and high standards of dress and conduct.

Dr Jo Simpson, who was appointed Head Teacher in 2022 after serving as Head of School, provides stable and ambitious leadership. Under her tenure, the school has maintained its Good Ofsted rating, with inspectors in 2024 highlighting the polite and respectful nature of the students and the ambitious curriculum that prepares them well for the next stage of their education. The school motto, Work Hard, Be Kind, is a genuine cultural anchor; it is referenced in assemblies and used by students to describe the community's shared expectations.

Academic performance is a significant strength. In the 2024-25 / 2025 dataset, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 51.5. The Progress 8 score of +0.29 indicates that students make better than average progress from their primary school starting points.

Nottingham Free School ranks 1,631st out of 3,895 schools in England for GCSE academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and 16th in Nottingham on the overall secondary ranking. This places the school above the national midpoint, though no longer within the top 25% of schools in England on the current ranking.

At A level, the school continues to offer a smaller sixth form. In 2025, 40% of entries achieved A* to B grades. The school ranks 1,540th out of 2,549 schools in England for A level academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it around the national midpoint.

The curriculum is unashamedly academic. All students are encouraged to pursue the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which includes English, mathematics, the sciences, a language, and a humanities subject. In the current dataset, 28.6% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in the EBacc, significantly higher than many local alternatives.

Teaching follows a knowledge rich model. Lessons are highly structured, beginning with retrieval practice to consolidate prior learning. In the sciences, students benefit from modern laboratories within the historic shell of the building, where practical work is integrated into the theoretical curriculum. Spanish and French are the primary modern languages, and the school has seen a growing number of students pursuing these at A level.

Where Students Go Next

For a relatively small sixth form, the destinations are impressive. In 2024, 43% of the leaver cohort progressed to university. While the school does not publish specific Russell Group percentages, recent leavers have secured places at the University of Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.

The school's employment and apprenticeship focus is also evident, with 22% of the 2024 cohort entering direct employment or advanced apprenticeships. This is supported by a robust careers programme that begins in Year 7 and includes regular interactions with local employers and the University of Nottingham.

Nottingham Free School is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 489 applications for 116 places in Year 7. This represents 4.22 applications per place applications for every offer, making it one of the most competitive schools in Nottingham City.

Admissions are coordinated by Nottingham City Council. Priority is given to looked after children and siblings, followed by those living within the catchment area of Sherwood and Carrington. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the furthest distance at which a place was offered.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded free school, there are no tuition fees for attending Nottingham Free School. This applies to both the secondary phase (Years 7 to 11) and the sixth form (Years 12 to 13).

Families are responsible for costs associated with school uniform, which is strictly enforced to maintain the school's professional atmosphere. Financial assistance is available through the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund for eligible sixth form students to help with the costs of travel, books, or equipment. For younger students, the Pupil Premium grant provides additional funding to support those from lower income backgrounds with curriculum costs and school trips.

The school operates a traditional house system, with students belonging to one of four houses: Potter, Torvill, Clough, and Hawksley. This creates smaller communities within the school, allowing for vertical tutoring where older students can mentor younger peers.

Pastoral support is proactive. Each year group has a dedicated non teaching Head of Year who serves as the primary point of contact for families. The latest inspection confirmed that safeguarding is a strength, with students reporting that they feel safe and that any instances of bullying are dealt with rapidly and effectively. For students requiring additional support, the Achievement Centre provides a quiet space for both academic intervention and emotional regulation.

The extracurricular programme, known as Enrichment, is a mandatory part of the school week for lower years. This ensures that every student participates in activities beyond the core curriculum. Current offerings include the Debating Society, Latin Club, and a growing Robotics programme.

Music and drama are vibrant. The school choir performs at local community events, and the annual school production is a highlight of the autumn term. Sport is equally competitive, with the school utilising local facilities like the Forest Recreation Ground for football and athletics. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with a high percentage of Year 10 students pursuing the Bronze award.

The school day runs from 8:15am to 3:30pm, with enrichment activities typically taking place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Being located in Sherwood, the school is well served by Nottingham City Transport bus routes, specifically the Lime and Purple lines. There is no dedicated on site parking for parents at drop off; most families use the walking routes from Haydn Road or Mansfield Road.

• Intense Competition for Places: With over four applications for every place, securing a Year 7 spot is a significant challenge for families living outside the immediate Sherwood area.
• Restricted Site: While the building is beautiful, the city centre location means outdoor space is limited compared to suburban schools. Students use off site facilities for some sporting activities.
• Structured Environment: The school's traditional approach to discipline and uniform is firm. Families who prefer a more relaxed or progressive atmosphere may find the school's expectations overly rigid.

Nottingham Free School has successfully combined an ambitious academic vision with a strong sense of community. Its results place it among the top tier of schools in the region, and its smaller size allows for a level of individual attention that is often lost in larger institutions. Best suited to students who thrive in a structured environment and families who value a traditional, EBacc focused education. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.