Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School Review 2026: An Outstanding Hub of Local Achievement

In the heart of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School stands as a beacon of academic excellence and community spirit. Serving approximately 346 pupils plus nursery attendees, the school has cultivated a reputation that extends far beyond Henning Lane. Its performance metrics are exceptional, placing it as the top-ranked primary school in the local area and within the top tier of schools in England.

The school operates as part of the Flying High Trust, a partnership that informs its ambitious curriculum and professional standards. With a capacity that is consistently tested by high demand, Mapplewells manages to maintain the feel of a close-knit village school while delivering results that rival the most selective institutions in the country. The 2024 results confirm this trajectory, with 90% of pupils meeting or exceeding England averages in core subjects.

The atmosphere at Mapplewells is one of purposeful joy. The physical environment is meticulously maintained, with bright displays of pupil work that reflect a broad and engaging curriculum. There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff and children, who describe themselves as proud Mapplewellians.

Mr Andrew Whittle has led the school as Head Teacher since September 2023, following a period of sustained excellence under previous leadership. Under his guidance, the school has deepened its core values, encouraging children to be adventurous, resilient, and aspirational. The latest Ofsted inspection, conducted in January 2025, awarded the school Outstanding ratings in every single category, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and early years provision.

The school functions as a community hub where parents are active participants. Morning drop-offs are efficient and friendly, and the school’s communication with families is a frequently cited strength. This collaborative spirit ensures that children feel secure and ready to learn from the moment they enter the building.

The academic outcomes at Mapplewells are exceptional. In 2024, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that dwarfs the England average of 62%. Even more striking is the school’s performance at the higher standard; 35% of pupils achieved greater depth in all three areas, compared to just 8% across the rest of England.

According to the latest FindMySchool rankings, Mapplewells ranks 1st among all primary schools in Sutton-in-Ashfield and sits in the elite tier of schools in England. This places the school in the national high band, outperforming approximately 93% of schools in England.

Subject-specific scores further illustrate this strength. The average scaled score in reading was 107, and in mathematics, it reached 108, both significantly above the England benchmark of 100. In Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling, the school achieved an average scaled score of 112, with 73% of pupils hitting the higher standard.

Teaching at Mapplewells is characterized by precision and pace. The curriculum is designed to be cumulative, ensuring that pupils build on prior knowledge as they move from the nursery through to Year 6. Teachers utilize the Flying High Trust’s evidence-based pedagogical approach, which emphasizes cognitive load theory and retrieval practice to ensure learning remains secure.

The school places a heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy without narrowing the curriculum. Specialist teaching and well-resourced units in physical education and the arts ensure a balanced day. Science is a particular strength, with 96% of pupils reaching the expected standard in 2024, well above the England average of 82%.

For those with additional needs, the school provides tailored support that is integrated into the classroom experience. Small group interventions and one-to-one support are deployed strategically, ensuring that every child, regardless of their starting point, makes visible progress.

Nursery Provision

The nursery at Mapplewells is an integral part of the school's identity rather than a separate annex. Early Years practitioners focus on developing speech, language, and social skills through a blend of structured play and teacher-led activities. This early intervention is a key driver of the school’s later academic success, as pupils transition into Reception with high levels of school readiness.

The physical setting for the nursery includes dedicated outdoor spaces that encourage physical development and exploration. Staffing ratios are maintained to ensure high levels of interaction, and the Key Person system is used effectively to build strong bonds between staff and young children. For current nursery fee details and session availability, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; parents can consult the FindMySchool guide to nursery funding for further clarity.

Extracurricular life at Mapplewells is vibrant and varied. The school offers a range of clubs that cater to diverse interests, including the popular Mapplewells Glee Club and various STEM-related activities. Sports are well-represented, with the school participating in local leagues and tournaments, often utilizing its spacious outdoor fields and multi-use games area.

Leadership roles such as curriculum crew, eco leaders, and diversity leaders allow pupils to take on responsibility from a young age. Annual highlights include the Christmas Carol concert and festive performances like the Bethlehem Bake Off.

Securing a place at Mapplewells is a significant challenge. For the most recent intake, the school was heavily oversubscribed, receiving 111 applications for just 42 places. The subscription proportion of 2.64 applications per place indicates that more than two families apply for every available desk.

Admissions are managed by Nottinghamshire County Council. While there is no formal catchment map, the school’s popularity means that proximity to the Henning Lane site is usually the deciding factor for those without siblings already at the school. For entry in September 2026, the application round opens on 3 November 2025 and closes on 15 January 2026.

The wellbeing of pupils is a top priority, supported by a robust pastoral system. The school utilizes a bespoke approach to cater to individual needs, particularly for pupils who may require additional emotional help. Behaviour is excellent; the school’s 2025 Ofsted report confirms a calm, respectful environment where pupils treat one another with kindness.

The school day typically begins at 8:45 am and concludes at 3:15 pm. Wraparound care is a major draw for working parents; the school offers a Breakfast Club that provides a safe and familiar environment before the standard school day.

Travel to the school is primarily local. Henning Lane can become congested at peak times, so the school actively encourages walking routes to alleviate traffic and promote healthy habits.

Fees & Financial Aid

Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School is a state-funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees for pupils aged 4 to 11. The nursery provision is also funded through government early years grants for eligible children. Parents should note that while education is free, there may be small costs associated with optional extras such as school trips, specialized music tuition, or the Breakfast Club. Families eligible for Pupil Premium funding may receive additional support for these costs; enquiries should be made directly to the school office.

• Extreme Oversubscription: With over 2.6 applicants for every offer, many local families find themselves on the waiting list. Parents should have a clear secondary choice when applying for Reception.
• Academic Standards: The school’s results are elite, which reflects a fast-moving and rigorous curriculum. While the school is inclusive, the environment is undeniably ambitious.
• Admissions Criteria: Proximity is key. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous years' last-distance-offered data.

Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School is a high-performing, community-focused institution that justifies its Outstanding reputation with every data point. It offers a rare combination of top-tier academic results and a nurturing, values-driven atmosphere. It is best suited to families in the Sutton-in-Ashfield area who value academic rigour and a disciplined yet joyful environment. The main hurdle remains the high competition for entry.