Classpot

Fernwood School

Nottingham, NG8 2FTSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Mar 2024
Progress 8
+0.60
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
320 1st-choice / 278 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#378 of 3,141 nationally

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.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressGoodwood Road, Nottingham, Nottingham, NG8 2FT
HeadteacherChristopher Gell
Local AuthorityNottingham
Number of Pupils1,536
Free School Meals (FSM)18.9%
School Capacity1,536 / 1,500 (102% 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
See an example
One-off paymentNo subscriptionStripe checkout

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

12 Mar 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 24 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

9
Art StudiosMusic RoomsPlaying FieldsAstro TurfSixth Form CentreSwimming PoolDining HallSports HallGymnasium

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

13

Sports

GymnasticsHockeyNetballRowingAthleticsDance

Clubs & Activities

NewspaperModel United NationsFilm ClubOrchestraDuke of EdinburghChoirDebate

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

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

Was this page helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions About Fernwood School

Fernwood School has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.