The transformation from William Sharp School to Nottingham University Samworth Academy in 2009 marked a turning point for secondary education in Bilborough. A purpose-built campus on Bramhall Road now sits where an underperforming comprehensive once struggled. Sponsored jointly by the University of Nottingham and businessman Sir David Samworth, the academy has since established itself as a solid neighbourhood school with particular strength in its sixth form. The 875 students aged 11-18 benefit from modern facilities including a Science Block, Lecture-Drama Block, fully equipped radio studio, and dedicated Focused Provision Unit for students who are deaf. GCSE results sit below the England average, but the sixth form tells a markedly different story, with 71% of A-level students achieving A*-B grades, placing the school in the top 10% in England for post-16 performance (FindMySchool ranking). Matthew Turton, appointed headteacher in 2024, has prioritised building on the school's established culture and pushing toward genuine excellence.
Students describe a school where they are known as individuals. Ofsted's 2023 Good rating noted that pupils feel safe, happy, and proud to be part of this inclusive community. The atmosphere is described as cheerful and friendly. Staff know students well and challenge them fairly. The school operates on twin pillars: students are expected to work hard and be kind. This is not abstract messaging; the system of 'green flags' for going above and beyond creates visible recognition, and pupils understand that staff will address disruption promptly to protect learning.
The modern buildings create an optimistic setting. Five distinct blocks, Main Teaching, Science, Lecture-Drama, Dining, and Sports, allow the curriculum to unfold across purpose-designed spaces. The recently renovated Tutin Library, named after Jackie Tutin, serves as a designated safe space. The radio studio invites creative expression. The Focused Provision Unit demonstrates genuine commitment to inclusion; the school has achieved pioneering work in Holocaust education, becoming a Quality Mark Beacon School through the UCL Centre for Holocaust Education in 2024. This involved developing Holocaust vocabulary in British Sign Language, enabling students who communicate chiefly through BSL to engage with historical concepts previously inaccessible to them.
Head Teacher Matthew Turton's appointment from a senior position within the Nova Education Trust signals confidence in his ability to consolidate gains and drive the school toward its stated ambition of being outstanding in every aspect. His background in educational leadership and trust-level school improvement brings expertise in sustainable change.
The 2024 GCSE cohort achieved an Attainment 8 score of 38.4, below the England average of 46 (FindMySchool data). Progress 8 stands at -0.6, indicating that pupils made below-average progress from their starting points at the end of Key Stage 2. Only 60% met the threshold for English Baccalaureate qualifications (grades 5 or above in English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities, and Languages), compared to the national requirement of 65%.
These figures position the school in the lower half of national performance. The school ranks 3463rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom quartile. Locally, among Nottinghamshire secondaries, NUSA ranks 46th, reflecting mixed performance in comparison to regional alternatives.
For families considering the school at Year 7, these metrics matter. Students entering NUSA should expect rigorous teaching but recognise that GCSE outcomes reflect the broad intake and challenges many pupils bring to secondary education.
The sixth form tells a strikingly different story. In 2024, 71% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, compared to the England average of just 47%. Breaking this down further: 14% achieved A*, 57% achieved A, and 0% fell below grade B. This represents exceptional consistency at the top end.
Sixth form students rank the school 230th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing NUSA in the top 10% of schools and ranking 3rd among Nottinghamshire sixth forms. This is a remarkable leap from GCSE outcomes, suggesting the sixth form operates as something approaching a sixth form college rather than an internal progression route. The school's own destination data shows 71% of leavers progress to university, with 21% entering Russell Group institutions. This indicates that students who commit to the sixth form pathway access genuine pathways to competitive universities.
The vocational sixth form offering, mentioned in the curriculum section below, helps explain both the high A*-B percentages and the strong university destinations. Students selecting academic A-levels appear carefully filtered for university-track study.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
71.43%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum balances traditional academic rigour with practical and vocational pathways. The school offers GCSEs and BTECs at Key Stage 4, ensuring students can pursue either university-preparatory qualifications or work-focused certifications. This flexibility is rare in secondary schools and reflects Sir David Samworth's business background; the school adopts his personal motto of 'people, quality, profit' as inspiration.
Reading is embedded throughout the curriculum. Inspectors noted that pupils develop the skills they need to thrive both academically and in life. The school's research partnership with the University of Nottingham extends to the Wonder Room, a dedicated space where Dr Matthew McFall, a Nottingham researcher in wonder and learning, works with pupils as an 'Agent of Wonder', using puzzles, illusions, and curiosity-driven activities to foster inquiry. This innovative approach, somewhat unusual in state secondary education, reflects the university partnership and positions learning as fundamentally playful.
Sixth form provision differs markedly. The small vocational sixth form allows bespoke timetabling around work-related courses. For academic A-level students, typical sizes hover around 20-30 per subject, enabling personalised teaching. The school's location in Bilborough, relatively accessible from central Nottingham, means some students travel from across the city specifically for NUSA's sixth form.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth form leavers in the 2024 cohort demonstrate strong progression. leavers' destination data, 71% progressed to university. Beyond this headline figure, destination data from third-party educational guides indicates 21% enter Russell Group universities, suggesting students access UCL, LSE, Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Warwick, and similar institutions. While the school does not publicly release specific Oxbridge figures, the A-level performance and Russell Group penetration suggest meaningful access to the most selective universities.
The Focused Provision Unit and Holocaust Education Beacon School status may also explain student motivation. Students who enter sixth form have often developed strong interests in humanities and social sciences, with many pursuing teacher training, social work, nursing (as referenced in social media posts), or public service careers.
The broader cohort shows more diverse outcomes. after GCSE, 74% continue to further education (sixth form or college), 8% move to employment, and 5% begin apprenticeships. This reflects a mix: many students progress internally to the small sixth form, others attend Nottingham's numerous sixth form colleges (including the major state options like Clarendon and Bilborough Colleges), and some pursue immediate employment or apprenticeships with local employers.
Music provision extends beyond formal curriculum. Students can learn recorder in Years 7-8 as part of the broader curriculum, with those demonstrating aptitude continuing to GCSE and A-level. The school operates a small choir and has invested in the radio studio, allowing musicians to develop presentation skills and produce recordings. The Mamelodi Trust partnership (evident in archived references to student recordings for South African educational projects) reflects a commitment to music as a vehicle for wider social engagement.
The Lecture-Drama Block provides a dedicated space for dramatic work. Schools performances happen in this venue, though specific production titles and cast sizes are not detailed on the publicly available website information. The modern facilities suggest students work with professional-standard staging.
The Sports Block houses multiple courts suitable for netball, badminton, volleyball, and basketball. Outdoor facilities include grass pitches for rugby and football. The school hires these facilities to external clubs and community groups outside school hours, suggesting good investment and maintenance. Gymnastics, trampolining, martial arts, dance, and mini-football all feature in the sports offering, indicating breadth across individual and team sports.
PE is compulsory at Key Stage 3 and 4, with GCSE PE available for option selection. Sixth formers can pursue A-level PE if qualified.
The School of Computer Science partnership with the University of Nottingham has resulted in computing activity days and integration of university research into classroom teaching. The Science Block provides separate laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, enabling practical investigation and hands-on experiment central to science pedagogy. The fully equipped radio studio also serves STEM purposes, as student-produced media often incorporates technical skills.
A dedicated careers programme and school-to-work partnerships feature prominently, reflecting the academy's commitment to apprenticeships and vocational routes. The Business Academy designation (evident in some references, though updated under Nova Education Trust governance) emphasises enterprise and entrepreneurial thinking.
Students can access the nearby Nottingham Justice Museum as a learning partner, suggesting curriculum extensions into law and social studies. The partnership with the UCL Centre for Holocaust Education means some students engage in research-level historical inquiry, developing primary source analysis and academic writing skills.
Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is available, though specific details of gold-level completion rates are not publicly disclosed. Sports Day, Christmas productions, and residential experiences appear to feature in the school calendar, though the full range of off-site visits and enrichment trips is best confirmed by contacting the school directly.
The school operates a structured student council and house system (visible through various references to house identities). Sixth form students are positioned as role models and peer mentors to younger cohorts, building leadership capacity.
The academy is oversubscribed, with 203 applications for 129 places in the most recent cycle. This 1.57 applications-to-offers ratio indicates genuine demand, particularly from the immediate Bilborough area and across Nottingham City Council's jurisdiction.
Entry at Year 7 is through Nottingham City Council's coordinated secondary admissions process. No entrance examination is required; selection is by distance from the school gates. Late applications are possible, though oversubscription means places are allocated in order of priority within the coordinated process.
Entry to the sixth form is not guaranteed from the main school. Students require GCSE grades that demonstrate capacity for A-level study. Specific entry requirements are not published in available sources; families should contact the school directly for subject-specific thresholds. The small sixth form size (roughly 100-150 students across two year groups) means external applicants compete seriously with internal progression.
The Focused Provision Unit specifically admits deaf students with EHCP naming the school, creating a hub within the sixth form for students with sensory needs who are capable of academic study.
Applications
203
Total received
Places Offered
129
Subscription Rate
1.6x
Apps per place
The purpose-built 2009 campus was designed as five interconnected blocks. The Main Teaching Block houses English, humanities, and languages classrooms. The Science Block, as noted, provides three separate laboratories. The Lecture-Drama Block is equipped with a professional-standard 228-seater lecture theatre (available for hire to the community, suggesting regular use by visiting speakers, performances, and assemblies). The Dining Block manages meal provision and community functions. The Sports Block is the most heavily used by external hire partners.
Smartboards are installed in all classrooms, enabling interactive teaching. The radio studio is fully equipped with professional-grade microphones and editing software. The Tutin Library provides quiet study space. Outdoor courts, fields, and open areas complete the facilities.
The school is located on Bramhall Road in Bilborough, accessible by bus and served by local cycles routes. Parking for parents is available on-site, though drop-off may involve waiting time during peak periods.
The standard school day operates 8:50am to 3:20pm. Detailed wraparound care (breakfast clubs, after-school provision) is not mentioned in the available research; families should contact the school directly for current arrangements.
A well-established culture of care is evident from inspection findings. Leaders provide regular staff training and updates in safeguarding. Staff understand their responsibilities and know what to do if they have concerns. Pupils know they can share worries with staff.
The school emphasises personal development alongside academic progress. Assemblies address themes of safety and mutual respect. The school celebrates diversity and pupils' individuality. Those requiring additional wellbeing support are identified early; leaders work with families to provide the right intervention. The Focused Provision Unit, whilst primarily serving deaf students, contributes to the school's broader commitment to personalised support.
A-level progression, not GCSE outcomes: Families should be realistic about GCSE results. The school sits below England average and progresses approximately 74% to further education post-16. If your goal is strong GCSEs and a pathway to the most selective universities, NUSA's main school may present challenges. The jump in sixth form performance suggests the school works best for students who find their rhythm at Key Stage 5.
Oversubscribed sixth form: Internal progression is not automatic. Students aiming to stay must achieve sufficiently strong GCSEs. Competition for external sixth form places means students from outside the school require excellent prior qualifications.
Mixed GCSE cohort: The Attainment 8 of 38.4 reflects a broad intake, including students with additional needs, disadvantaged backgrounds, and English as an additional language. This inclusivity is a strength, but families prioritising league table position should acknowledge the composition of the intake.
Vocational sixth form character: The sixth form blends academic A-levels with vocational BTECs. This is a genuine choice pathway, not a deficit model, but families expecting a traditional academic sixth form should understand the distinct approach.
Nottingham University Samworth Academy is best understood as two schools functioning within one building. The main school provides inclusive, broad-based secondary education to a diverse Bilborough and Nottingham City cohort. It is rated Good by Ofsted, offers structured pastoral care, and does not cherry-pick its intake. For families in catchment seeking a safe, caring school focused on developing young people as individuals, NUSA delivers.
The sixth form is something else entirely: a genuine academic route accessed by students with strong GCSEs or external applicants from across Nottinghamshire. With 71% achieving A*-B at A-level and 21% progressing to Russell Group universities, the sixth form operates as a real alternative to independent sixth forms and selective state options like Nottingham High. The university partnership, particularly the Wonder Room innovation, sets it apart.
Oversubscription means entry at Year 7 is competitive, requiring proximity to the school gates. But for families within or close to the catchment, NUSA offers solid secondary education with a remarkable sixth form option. The transformation from William Sharp School is tangible; the school today is clean, modern, confident, and focused on student flourishing.
Yes. The school is rated Good by Ofsted (2023 inspection, first under the new Education Inspection Framework). The inspection found pupils are proud and happy, staff are caring and challenge students fairly, and the atmosphere is cheerful and friendly. The sixth form is particularly strong, with 71% of A-level students achieving grades A*-B, ranking the school in the top 10% of sixth forms in England (FindMySchool ranking). GCSE outcomes are below the England average, so this is best viewed as a good comprehensive secondary with an excellent sixth form, rather than a uniformly high-achieving school.
This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents may incur costs for uniform, trips, music lessons, or voluntary contributions to school funds, but there is no tuition charge.
The academy is significantly oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 1.57 applications per place. Entry is by distance from the school gates, managed through Nottingham City Council's coordinated secondary admissions process. Families should verify their distance from the school before planning applications.
The sixth form achieves A-level grades placing it in the top 10% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), with 71% of students achieving A*-B. Additionally, 21% of leavers progress to Russell Group universities. The school operates a small vocational sixth form offering BTEC routes alongside academic A-levels, creating flexibility for post-16 pathways. The partnership with the University of Nottingham, including the innovative Wonder Room, brings university-level thinking into the classroom.
Yes. The Focused Provision Unit serves deaf students and those with profound sensory needs and EHCP naming the school. The unit has achieved recognition for innovative work, including the development of Holocaust vocabulary in British Sign Language, making historical education accessible to students using BSL. This provision is a genuine strength and sets the school apart.
71% of sixth-form leavers progressed to university in 2024 at Nottingham University Samworth Academy. Data indicates 21% entered Russell Group universities, suggesting students access institutions such as UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Warwick, and Exeter. The school is also a Holocaust Education Quality Mark Beacon School (awarded 2024), suggesting a proportion of students pursue humanities and social science routes at university. Contact the school for detailed university destination lists.
The school is inspired by Sir David Samworth's business motto: 'people, quality, profit'. This translates to school values of Courtesy, Courage, and Aspiration. The Ofsted inspection confirmed these are understood by pupils and embedded in daily practice.
Get in touch with the school directly
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