South Nottinghamshire Academy Review 2026: Modern Ambition

Rising from the Radcliffe on Trent skyline, the £10 million main building (opened in 2016) signals South Nottinghamshire Academy's intent. This is a modern, forward-looking comprehensive that has grown significantly in popularity and performance since joining the Redhill Academy Trust. With nearly 550 applications for roughly 170 places in the last cycle, it has become one of the most sought-after seats in the county.

The campus feels collegiate and purposeful. The 2016 rebuild replaced tired 1950s blocks with a glass-fronted, three-storey facility that places nearly all departments under one roof. At drop-off, the atmosphere is orderly; the school enforces high standards of uniform and conduct, a hallmark of the Trust's ethos.

Mr Dan Philpotts, Executive Headteacher, leads with a focus on academic rigour and personal responsibility. The school's motto, Pushing our boundaries to achieve more, is visible not just on walls but in the pace of lessons. Students move quickly between the specialist wings, and the open-plan dining and social spaces encourage social mixing across year groups.

While the architecture is contemporary, the school retains a village ethos. It serves a distinct catchment in Radcliffe on Trent and surrounding villages, creating a cohesive community feel where staff often know families across generations.

Academic performance is a headline strength, particularly at GCSE. In 2024, the school ranked 878th in England for secondary outcomes. This performance sits in the top 20% of schools in England (national strong band), and ranks 10th locally among Nottingham schools.

The data tells a positive story of consistency. A Progress 8 score of +0.18 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points.

In the core subjects, attainment is robust; the average Attainment 8 score stood at 54, notably higher than the England average of roughly 46.

At A-level, performance is solid, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band). In 2024, nearly 52% of grades were A*-B. The school ranked 17th locally for A-level outcomes.

The curriculum is broad but traditional, heavily leaning towards the English Baccalaureate (EBacc). Nearly 32% of students achieved strong passes (Grade 5+) in the full suite of EBacc subjects. Teaching follows the "Redhill principles": structured lessons, frequent recall, and clear modelling.

Specialist facilities elevate the learning experience. The science labs are spacious and well-equipped, while the design and technology workshops allow for ambitious practical work. Art and photography studios are flooded with natural light, contributing to a vibrant creative output visible in the corridors.

The Sixth Form is a popular destination for Year 11s, though entry requirements are strict. Destination data for 2024 shows that 66% of leavers progressed to university, with others moving into apprenticeships (4%) or employment (19%).

The academic ceiling is high for those who aim for it. In 2024, the school saw one student secure a place at Oxbridge from two applicants. The academy supports aspirational pathways, although the focus is broadly inclusive of both academic and vocational excellence.

Entry into Year 7 is fiercely competitive. In the most recent cycle, the school received 547 applications for just 177 offers, resulting in a subscription ratio of over 3 applicants per place.

Admissions are coordinated by Nottinghamshire County Council. The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, followed by children living in the catchment area who have a sibling at the school, then other catchment children. Remaining places are allocated by distance.

Given the high demand, living within the catchment area (Radcliffe on Trent, Shelford, Holme Pierrepont) is usually essential. Families outside these boundaries should check historical allocation distances carefully before applying.

The House system provides the framework for pastoral support, injecting a healthy dose of competition into school life. Students belong to vertical tutor groups, mixing ages to foster mentorship and reduce bullying.

The "Eco-Centre" and student support hub offer quieter spaces for those who find the large, open-plan main building overwhelming. Reviews suggest that while the academic pressure is real, the support network is robust enough to catch those who wobble.

Extracurricular life is anchored by sport and performance. The 3G floodlit pitch and sports hall are hives of activity until late afternoon. Football, netball, and rugby teams compete successfully in county fixtures.

The arts are equally well served. The drama studio and music practice rooms host regular rehearsals for the annual school production, a calendar highlight that typically involves over 100 students. Clubs range from the debate society to coding, though the list is heavily weighted towards sports and creative arts.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. It is an academy funded by the government, meaning education is free for all pupils.

Families on lower incomes may be eligible for the Pupil Premium, which provides additional funding to the school to support their child's education. This can cover costs such as school trips, music lessons, and uniform. Parents should check eligibility for Free School Meals through Nottinghamshire County Council, as this automatically triggers Pupil Premium funding.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Transport is a key consideration; dedicated school buses serve the outlying catchment villages, but spaces can be tight. The school is located off Cropwell Road, and traffic at peak times is significant; parents are encouraged to use the drop-off zones or designated bus services.

Strict Uniform Policy. The school is unapologetic about its dress code. Blazers, ties, and specific footwear are non-negotiable. Families who prefer a more relaxed approach to uniform may find the scrutiny irksome.

Oversubscription. With three applicants for every seat, this is not a "safety school". Families outside the immediate catchment area face significant uncertainty and should have a realistic backup plan.

Campus Size. While modern, the single-building design can feel busy. It creates a buzzing, energetic atmosphere that suits confident students but may take time for quieter children to navigate.

South Nottinghamshire Academy offers a compelling mix of modern facilities and traditional academic values. It is a school that expects a lot, in dress, behaviour, and grades, and generally gets it. Best suited to local families who want a rigorous, well-structured comprehensive education and are comfortable with a school that runs a tight ship. The main challenge is securing a place.