Classpot

Bluecoat Beechdale Academy

Nottingham, NG8 3GPSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Oct 2022
Progress 8
-0.67
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
161 1st-choice / 179 places
Ranking
#2,806
of 3,141 nationally

About Bluecoat Beechdale Academy

Bluecoat Beechdale Academy is a popular choice among Nottingham families, with 161 first-preference applications for 179 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, making it officially oversubscribed with a ratio of 2.02 applicants per place. Of those 361 total applications, 150 first-preference offers were made, suggesting strong local demand despite the school not having a sixth form or a religious character. ParentView data isn't available here, but the oversubscription figure alone signals that many families see it as a solid option. The school is a mixed secondary for ages 11 to 16, currently led by headteacher Rachael Frearson, and it serves a high-needs community: 67% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national average. Its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022 rated it Good overall, with leadership and management also judged Good, a significant improvement from its previous Inadequate rating in 2013.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressHarvey Road, Nottingham, Nottingham, NG8 3GP
HeadteacherRachael Frearson
Local AuthorityNottingham
Number of Pupils891
Free School Meals (FSM)67.0%
School Capacity891 / 900 (99% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

12 Oct 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (12 Oct 2022): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 6 Mar 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
ICT SuiteArt StudiosSixth Form CentreScience LabsSports HallDining HallMusic RoomsLibraryAstro TurfChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

RowingAthleticsBadmintonDanceRoundersSwimmingBasketball

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubChessScience ClubYoung EnterpriseEco ClubChoirModel United NationsDuke of Edinburgh

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bluecoat Beechdale Academy

Bluecoat Beechdale Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.