East Markham Primary School

About East Markham Primary School

East Markham Primary School is a state primary in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire, and it is genuinely popular with local families. The school has capacity for 210 pupils and currently has 212 on roll, so it is essentially full. That demand is reflected in the admissions data for the 2025/26 intake: the school received 52 applications for just 27 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.93. All 27 first-preference applicants were offered a place, but the numbers suggest that families who don’t put it first are unlikely to get in. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 15.1%, which is slightly above the national average for primary schools (around 13-14%) and gives the school a broadly mixed intake. It is a co-educational, non-religious school with nursery provision for children from age three, and it is led by headteacher Laura Duggin.

Academically, East Markham performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 69% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Nottinghamshire LA average of 61%. The school’s maths and reading average scores were 106 and 107 respectively, both above the national benchmark of 100. At the higher standard, 35% of pupils achieved that level in maths and reading, while 19% did so in writing. The school ranks 13th out of 44 primary schools in Bassetlaw on the expected standard measure, placing it in the top 30% locally. Nationally, it sits in the top 35% of all primaries. The most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in June 2023, confirmed that the school remains Good, with leadership and management also rated Good. The previous graded inspection in 2014 also awarded an overall Good, so the school has held that rating consistently.

The school offers a solid range of facilities and activities. There is a library, forest school area, outdoor playground, playing fields, art studios and even a chapel on site. Sports provision includes athletics, football, netball, cross country, cricket and swimming. Clubs cover science, choir, film, gardening, book club and coding, so there is plenty to keep children engaged beyond the school day. For children with additional needs, the school has identified support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and physical disabilities. Given its oversubscription, this is a school that suits families who live close enough to make a realistic first-preference application, and who value strong academic outcomes in a full, active primary setting. It is not a school for those looking for a sixth form or boarding option, but for a well-regarded local primary with nursery provision, it is clearly a first choice for many.

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