Fernwood School

About Fernwood School

Fernwood School is clearly a popular choice among Nottingham families. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 656 applications for 278 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.36, meaning more than two families applied for every spot. Of those, 320 put Fernwood as their first preference, and 271 first-preference offers were made. While the data doesn't include a direct parent satisfaction survey score, this level of demand speaks volumes about the school's reputation in the local community. The school is a mixed, non-denominational state secondary for pupils aged 11 to 16, with no sixth form. It is currently oversubscribed, so parents considering it for their child will need to ensure they meet the admissions criteria and likely apply as a first preference to have the best chance of securing a place.

Academically, Fernwood is a standout performer. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2024, it was rated Outstanding overall, with Outstanding grades for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management, and a Good rating for personal development. This is a significant achievement, as only three of the 21 secondary schools in Nottingham hold an Outstanding rating. The school's Progress 8 score of 0.6 is well above average, placing it first out of 14 schools in the local authority and in the top 25% nationally. For context, the Nottingham local authority average Progress 8 score is -0.25, so Fernwood pupils are making substantially more progress than their peers across the city. Attainment 8 sits at 59.2, and 89.4% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, compared to 72.8% at grade 5 or above. The EBacc average point score is 5.27.

The school offers a strong range of facilities including art studios, music rooms, a swimming pool, sports hall, gymnasium, astro turf, and playing fields. Sports on offer include gymnastics, hockey, netball, rowing, athletics, and dance, while clubs range from Model UN and Debate to Orchestra, Choir, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Fernwood has a comprehensive SEND provision, supporting pupils with specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate to severe learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language communication needs, hearing and visual impairments, physical disabilities, and autistic spectrum disorder. This is a school that suits families who value strong academic outcomes and a broad extracurricular offer, and who are comfortable with a large, oversubscribed school environment. Its lack of a sixth form means pupils will need to plan for post-16 options elsewhere.

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