Sir Edmund Hillary Academy Review 2026, Oversubscribed primary with nursery entry from age two

Ofsted context matters, but it needs careful interpretation around academy conversion. The most recent published graded inspection for the predecessor school (Sir Edmund Hillary Primary and Nursery School, URN 122605) was on 14 September 2021 and the overall outcome was Requires Improvement, with Good judgements in Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Early years provision, alongside Quality of education at Requires Improvement.

For the current academy (URN 150301), Ofsted’s public report page shows “No report yet”, which can occur for newly registered schools or where an inspection has taken place but publication is pending.

The school frames its curriculum intent around breadth and balance, explicitly linking this to CLIMB and to Early Years Foundation Stage and National Curriculum expectations.

For younger children, the nursery explanation is unusually specific about how learning is structured through play. The practical detail is the useful bit here, it reduces guesswork for parents and signals that staff are expected to teach intentionally, not just supervise activities.

For older pupils, the available published material points to structured support approaches, including vocabulary focus, talk routines, manipulatives in maths, and targeted small-group or 1:1 interventions where needed. The implication for families is that the day is designed to be teachable and repeatable, which often supports pupils who benefit from clear routines and predictable classroom habits.

What the school does publish clearly is its approach to transition for younger entry points. For nursery and Reception, the admissions information references staged induction and transition days, typically in early July, plus opportunities for familiarisation sessions. That kind of transition scaffolding tends to reduce anxiety for pupils who find change difficult, especially those entering from nursery into statutory schooling.

There are three distinct pathways families commonly care about: nursery, Reception, and in-year places.

Nursery (age two plus) and Foundation 1

The academy handles nursery and Foundation 1 admissions directly, and states that applications can be made at any time, with children admitted from a waiting list. Nursery entry is described as available from the term after a child turns two, subject to places. Any charges for additional sessions exist, but families should check the school’s nursery page for current details and eligibility rules, particularly around funded entitlements.

Reception (statutory school age)

Reception admissions are co-ordinated by Nottinghamshire County Council. For September 2026, applications open 03 November 2025, the closing date is 15 January 2026, and offers are released on 16 April 2026.

Demand and likelihood of entry

The latest available admissions figures for the Reception entry route record 60 applications for 30 offers, with the route described as oversubscribed. In practice, that means families should expect criteria to matter and should avoid relying on late decisions. A practical step is to use FindMySchool’s Map Search to sense-check travel practicality and to build a shortlist that includes at least one lower-pressure alternative.

The wellbeing messaging is direct: children are expected to develop mental and physical resilience and to build inclusive relationships, with wellbeing described as a thread that runs through the curriculum.

For pupils who need additional support, the published SEND provision mapping is unusually concrete. It references a nurture space called The Hive, ELSA support, Lego therapy group work, a school counsellor, and structured inclusion activities such as Boccia as a lunch club option. This level of detail helps parents who are trying to match a child’s needs to actual support, rather than generic reassurance.

Wraparound provision doubles as a major part of enrichment for many families.

Breakfast and after-school care (with activities)

Breakfast club is described as running from 7.30am for Reception to Year 6, with a set daily charge. Club-Ed operates after school and publishes session times and prices, with activity examples including baking, crafts, role play, sports, games, and sensory play. The implication is straightforward, for working families this is not just childcare, it is a consistent social routine that can support calmer starts and smoother pick-ups.

Sports and clubs

Where the school is most specific is in its club naming. Published club letters and sports premium documentation show opportunities such as martial arts, netball, and multi-sports, plus gymnastics delivered as a structured after-school option in some year groups.

Inclusion-focused enrichment

The SEND provision mapping also indicates lunch clubs and structured activities as part of the inclusion offer, again including named activities rather than vague lists. For some pupils, that matters more than headline sport, it increases the chance that breaktimes and after-school hours remain manageable.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Families should still plan for normal extras such as uniform, trips, and any optional clubs or wraparound sessions.

For the school day, the published attendance and punctuality information states an 8.45am start time for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, and 8.50am for Reception, with registration finishing at 8.55am.

Wraparound care is a clear strength: breakfast club begins at 7.30am, and the after-school offer includes Club-Ed with published session times.

• Competition for places. The latest available Reception-route figures show 60 applications for 30 offers, and the route is described as oversubscribed. Families should apply on time and shortlist alternatives alongside this option.

• Inspection staleness and conversion effects. The last published graded inspection relates to the predecessor school in September 2021. The current academy’s report page indicates no published report yet, so parents should use visits, current leadership information, and published policies to triangulate current practice.

• Nursery detail is specific, but fees for additional sessions vary. The nursery page outlines funded entitlements and additional-session charging, but families should verify current terms directly with the school and confirm how entitlements apply to their child’s age and circumstances.

• Large-school navigation. With a capacity of 440 and over 400 pupils listed on the Ofsted provider page, some children thrive on the social breadth while others prefer smaller settings. It is worth checking class sizes, routines, and transition support during a visit.

For families in and around Kilton who want a broad primary with nursery entry from age two, clear values language, and well-defined wraparound care, this is a serious contender. It suits pupils who benefit from routine, structured support, and a school day that extends cleanly into breakfast and after-school provision. The limiting factor is admission pressure for Reception entry, so a realistic shortlist matters as much as enthusiasm.