Nottingham Girls' Academy Review 2026: An Outstanding City School

Located on Robin's Wood Road in Aspley, Nottingham Girls' Academy stands as a beacon of high ambition for the local community. As part of the Greenwood Academies Trust, it serves a diverse intake with a clear mission: to ensure that background never limits achievement. The school was judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in November 2023, a validation of its rigorous standards and inclusive culture.

Led by Mr David Tungate, the academy combines a warm, supportive atmosphere with unapologetically high expectations. It is the only non-faith girls' comprehensive in the city, offering a distinct educational environment where students are encouraged to pursue "Potential, Excellence, Inclusivity, and Togetherness."

The academy buildings, a blend of established blocks and modern additions, sit within spacious grounds that feel removed from the busy surrounding streets. The atmosphere inside is calm and purposeful. The 2023 Ofsted report noted that the school has "firmly established a culture of the very highest expectations," which is evident in the impeccable uniform and focused behaviour in corridors.

Diversity is a core strength here. The student body reflects the rich cultural mix of Nottingham, and the school actively champions this through its "Equalities Group" and a curriculum that weaves in diverse perspectives. Staff work hard to create a "safe, kind, nurturing" environment where girls feel confident to voice their opinions and take intellectual risks without gender stereotypes.

Leadership is stable and visible. Mr Tungate and his team have built a structure where pastoral care wraps around academic pressure, ensuring that while the bar is set high, students are supported to reach it. The school operates a House system which fosters a sense of belonging and friendly competition.

In 2024, the academy's results demonstrated solid progress. The Progress 8 score of +0.22 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points compared to peers across England. This positive value-added score highlights the effectiveness of the teaching, particularly for students who enter with lower prior attainment.

The average Attainment 8 score was 48.7. In English and Mathematics combined, 30.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above. While this figure is lower than some selective schools, it must be viewed in the context of the school's comprehensive intake and fair banding admission system. Ranked 1,181st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 16th locally, the school's performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

At A-level, the Sixth Form supports a smaller cohort to respectable outcomes. In 2024, 41% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 1,719th in England and 26th locally for A-level outcomes. While the raw attainment figures place it in the lower 40% of schools in England, the school excels at guiding students onto appropriate pathways, whether that be university or higher apprenticeships.

The curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all pupils access to powerful knowledge. In Key Stage 3, students study a broad range of subjects including drama, dance, and design technology, resisting the trend to narrow the curriculum too early. The 2023 inspection praised the curriculum as "rich and highly ambitious," noting that it is very well planned to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.

Lessons follow consistent routines that maximise learning time. Teachers use "Do Now" activities to recap prior learning and employ questioning techniques that require students to think deeply. There is a strong focus on literacy; students are taught to speak in full sentences and use academic vocabulary, a strategy designed to build confidence for the future.

Reading is prioritised across the school. The "Canon" reading programme ensures students encounter challenging texts from diverse cultures and eras, reinforcing the school's commitment to cultural capital.

The academy has a strong track record of securing positive destinations for its leavers. In 2024, 72% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university, reflecting the high aspirations fostered from Year 7.

Destinations vary from local institutions like Nottingham Trent and the University of Nottingham to Russell Group universities further afield. The Sixth Form team provides personalised support for UCAS applications, particularly for students who are the first in their families to attend university.

For those choosing other routes, the careers programme is robust. Students have access to guidance on higher apprenticeships and employment, with 9% of the 2024 cohort moving directly into employment and 2% into apprenticeships.

Admission to Nottingham Girls' Academy is coordinated by Nottingham City Council, but the process includes a unique element: Fair Banding.

The school is consistently oversubscribed. For the most recent intake, there were 325 applications for 171 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.9 applications per place. To ensure a comprehensive intake that reflects the full ability range, all applicants must sit a cognitive ability test (NFER). Based on the results, applicants are placed into one of four ability bands. Places are then allocated equally across these bands.

Within each band, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings, and then those living closest to the school. This system prevents the school from becoming selectively academic by postcode alone. Families applying for Year 7 in September 2026 must complete the Common Application Form by 31 October 2025 and ensure their daughter sits the fair banding test, usually held in October/November.

Pastoral care is rated as exceptional. The school's "Hub" offers a sanctuary for students needing emotional support, and the pastoral team includes non-teaching Heads of Year who are available throughout the day.

The 2023 Ofsted report highlighted that staff provide "excellent support for pupils' mental health." Issues such as bullying are dealt with effectively, and the school teaches students how to keep themselves safe, including online. The single-sex environment allows for targeted PSHE sessions that address issues specifically relevant to young women.

The "Period 6" programme extends the school day to offer a wide variety of clubs and activities. Students can participate in everything from Debate Mate and coding to sports teams and choir.

The arts are a particular strength. The annual school production is a major event, involving students in all aspects of performance and production. Sports facilities include a sports hall and dance studio, with teams competing regularly in city leagues.

Trips are frequent and designed to broaden horizons. Recent opportunities have included theatre visits, geography field trips, and university experience days. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with many girls completing their Bronze and Silver awards.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. The academy is located on Robin's Wood Road, Aspley, NG8 3LD. It is well-connected by public transport, with the Turquoise Line buses (77, 78, 79) stopping nearby on Nuthall Road.

Uniform is strictly enforced and consists of a purple blazer, white shirt, academy tie, and grey trousers or skirt. A "pre-loved" uniform shop is available to support families.

Fair Banding Assessment. The admissions process is not based solely on distance. Your daughter must sit the fair banding test to be considered for a place. This requires organisation in the autumn term of Year 6.

Strict Behaviour Policy. The school prides itself on traditional standards. Rules regarding uniform, mobile phones, and conduct are enforced rigorously. This creates a calm environment but requires full parental support for the school's policies.

A-level Context. While the Sixth Form offers excellent pastoral care and good university progression, the raw A-level grades are lower than some local providers. High-achieving students should visit the Sixth Form open evening to discuss specific subject outcomes and the support available for top grades.

Nottingham Girls' Academy is a school that delivers on its promise of excellence and inclusivity. The 2023 Outstanding judgment confirms what parents have known for some time: this is a school where girls are safe, supported, and pushed to achieve their best. Best suited to families who value a structured, ambitious environment and want their daughter to grow up in a diverse, real-world community. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular academy.