New Ford Academy Review 2026: High Academic Standards in the Heart of Smallthorne

In the Smallthorne area of Stoke-on-Trent, New Ford Academy stands as a significant educational anchor for the local community. This two-form entry primary academy serves approximately 472 pupils, including a thriving nursery section. While many schools in the region face challenges, New Ford Academy has carved out a reputation for academic rigour that rivals the best in the country. The 2024 results place the school among the highest-performing primary providers in England, a feat that reflects a culture of high expectations and consistent teaching.

The atmosphere within the school is one of purposeful calm. Pupils move through the corridors of the Smallthorne campus with a sense of belonging, and there is a visible pride in the learning environment. The leadership team, led by Head Teacher Miss Emma Ford, has fostered a culture where students feel safe and valued. The latest Ofsted inspection in June 2023, which graded the school as Outstanding, noted that pupils are exceptionally well-behaved and show deep respect for one another.

This is not a school that relies on flashy gimmicks; instead, it focuses on the fundamental pillars of primary education. The red-brick building houses well-resourced classrooms where pupil work is celebrated on every wall. There is a tangible sense of community, bolstered by a staff team that is deeply invested in the Smallthorne locality. Parents often describe the school as a place where their children are not just taught, but truly understood.

The academic performance at New Ford Academy is remarkably strong, significantly outperforming both local and England averages. In 2024, 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a significant achievement when compared to the England average of 61% and the local authority average of 58%.

The school sits in the high tier of performance, placing it in the top 10% of schools in England (6th percentile). According to proprietary FindMySchool rankings based on official data, New Ford Academy is ranked 910th in England and 4th among all primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent.

Even more impressive is the depth of achievement. At the higher standard, 25% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, which is three times the England average of 8%. These figures indicate that the school is not just helping pupils pass, but is actively stretching the most able to reach their full potential.

Teaching at the academy follows a highly structured and ambitious curriculum. There is a heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy from the earliest years, ensuring that pupils have the tools required to access the broader curriculum. The 2024 average scaled scores of 109 in reading and 107 in mathematics highlight the efficacy of this approach.

Subject specialists are used effectively, particularly in the upper key stages, to ensure that the curriculum remains challenging. The school places a high priority on reading, which begins in the Nursery. All staff are trained as experts in teaching reading, and the school features a library and a unique lunchtime reading caravan to encourage a love of books. Teachers possess excellent subject knowledge and are very skilled at checking how well pupils have learned important concepts and vocabulary.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, New Ford Academy is a state school with no tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all pupils.

For families requiring financial support, the school's family support team provides a range of early help. Parents may also be eligible for Free School Meals, which provides pupils with a daily healthy meal and secures additional Pupil Premium funding for the school to support their learning. The academy also maintains a supply of pre-loved uniform, coats, and shoes in the main entrance, available free of charge to any family in need.

Nursery Provision

For the youngest learners, New Ford Academy offers an integrated nursery that accepts children from the September after their third birthday. The nursery is designed as a bridge into the main school, focusing on communication, language, and social development. Highly skilled practitioners create a stimulating environment where play is used as a vehicle for structured learning.

Parents should note that nursery fees are available on the nursery website, and government-funded hours are available for eligible families. The transition from nursery to Reception is handled with care, ensuring that children are already familiar with the school’s routines and staff before they begin their formal schooling.

The extracurricular life of the school is designed to broaden horizons. Pupils enjoy donating to local foodbanks and choosing charities for fundraising, fostering a strong sense of citizenship. The academy has established links with a community and school in Kenya, recently raising funds for a water tower.

In school, many leadership roles are held in high esteem by the students, including house captains, play leaders, and eco monitors. The academy makes excellent use of its facilities to offer clubs such as the After School Club, which must be booked in advance to ensure safe staffing levels.

Securing a place at New Ford Academy requires forward planning. As a state-funded academy, admissions are coordinated by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed; in the most recent intake, there were 1.5 applications for every one of the 60 available places.

For 2026 entry, the application windows are as follows:

• Reception: Opens 3 November 2025; Closes 15 January 2026.
• Nursery: Opens 1 December 2025; Closes 31 January 2026.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The wellbeing of pupils is a core priority at New Ford. Relationships in the early years are described as warm and caring. The school operates a robust pastoral system, including a family support team that works alongside external agencies.

Staff are well-trained in safeguarding and are exceptionally vigilant in identifying any pupil who may be at risk of harm. Pupils demonstrate high levels of concentration and resilience. This focus on character ensures that pupils are not just academically successful but also socially confident.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. For working parents, the academy offers wraparound care including an Early Bird Breakfast Club and an After School Club. Due to staffing arrangements, these clubs require booking by 12 midday the day prior. The school is located on Brownley Road in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, and features a library and an outdoor reading caravan.

• High Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 1.5, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families should verify current distances before relying on a place here.
• Grammar and Vocabulary Focus: The school identifies vocabulary gaps swiftly in the early years. While highly effective, the academic pace in literacy is brisk.
• Booking Requirements: Wraparound care clubs require strict advance booking by midday the day before, which may require additional planning for busy parents.

New Ford Academy is an academic powerhouse in Stoke-on-Trent, delivering results that are truly exceptional for its context. It combines a rigorous approach to the core curriculum with a nurturing pastoral environment, making it an ideal choice for families who value high academic standards. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist. Best suited to pupils who respond well to structure and high expectations. The main hurdle is simply getting through the door.