Fernwood School
102%
Capacity
1,536
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Fernwood School
Fernwood School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Nottingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,536 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,500 places).
the school is led by headteacher Christopher Gell, it falls under Nottingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.60 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 59.2. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 378th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 14 in Nottingham.
Fernwood School is a popular choice with families — it received 656 applications for 278 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 320 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Fernwood School include Art Studios, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Gymnasium.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rowing and 2 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Model UN, Film Club, Orchestra and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.9%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Nottingham, Fernwood School is one of the options available in the East Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Goodwood Road, Nottingham, Nottingham, NG8 2FT |
| Headteacher | Christopher Gell |
| Local Authority | Nottingham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,536 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,536 / 1,500 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 24 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.60)
378th of 3,141
Nationally
17th of 273
In East Midlands
1st of 14
In Nottingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed278
656
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
320 families put this school as their 1st choice (49% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fernwood School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Goodwood Road, Nottingham
Nottingham, NG8 2FT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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