Bracken Lane Primary Academy

About Bracken Lane Primary Academy

Bracken Lane Primary Academy sits comfortably above the local authority average for Key Stage 2 outcomes, with 70% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to Nottinghamshire's average of 61%. That nine-point gap puts the school in a strong position within Bassetlaw, where it ranks 11th out of 44 primary schools on this metric. The school's overall ranking score of 70 places it in the top 50% nationally, and within the East Midlands it sits in the 28th percentile. These figures suggest a school that is performing consistently better than many of its neighbours, though not at the very top of the local table. The most recent Ofsted inspection in 2021 judged the school as Good overall, with leadership and management also rated Good, and the ungraded visit that same year confirmed the school remains Good. The previous graded inspection in 2013 also awarded Good, so the school has held this rating across two full inspections.

Looking more closely at the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, the picture is one of solid, if not spectacular, performance. In reading, 77% of pupils met the expected standard, with an average score of 105, and 17% reached the higher standard. Maths saw 83% at expected, with an average score of 104 and again 17% at the higher level. Writing was slightly lower, with 80% at expected and just 10% at the higher standard. Only 3% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects combined, which is a modest figure. The school does not publish progress scores for reading, writing or maths, so it is not possible to say how much value the school adds relative to pupils' starting points. However, the expected standard figures are all above the national average for primary schools, and the maths result in particular is strong. The school's ranking within Bassetlaw places it in the top quarter of primary schools in the local authority, which is a useful benchmark for parents comparing options locally.

Bracken Lane is a smaller-than-average primary with 231 pupils against a capacity of 210, meaning it is technically over capacity. This is reflected in the admissions data for 2025/26, where the school received 85 applications for 30 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.83. Of those, 29 were first-preference applications, and 28 received offers, so securing a place is competitive. The school has a nursery provision, which may help families get a foot in the door. Facilities include an ICT suite, gymnasium, playing fields, a sensory room, art studios and a chapel. Sports offered include cross country, football, netball and athletics, and clubs include drama, book club and choir. The school has identified SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia), social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. With 15.8% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a broadly average demographic for a state primary. This is a school that suits families looking for above-average academic outcomes in a relatively small, oversubscribed setting with good facilities and a clear SEND offer.

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