John Clifford Primary School

About John Clifford Primary School

John Clifford Primary School in Broxtowe is a state primary for mixed pupils aged 3 to 11, and it is running very close to full capacity with 387 pupils against a school capacity of 390. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 26.1%, which is notably higher than the national average for primary schools and suggests a catchment with above-average levels of disadvantage. Demand for places is extremely strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 114 applications for just 28 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 4.07. All 28 offers went to first-preference applicants, meaning that securing a place here is highly competitive and that local families clearly rank it as their top choice. The school does not have a religious character, so admissions are handled by the local authority on a standard catchment basis, and the nursery provision means children can join from age 3.

Academically, the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2024 rated it Good across all five graded categories, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management. This is consistent with its previous Good rating from 2016, though the early years provision has improved from a Requires Improvement grade at that time. At Key Stage 2, 47% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the Nottinghamshire local authority average of 61% and places the school 24th out of 25 schools in Broxtowe on this measure. Average scores in reading (103) and maths (102) are close to the national benchmark of 100, but the proportion reaching the higher standard is low, particularly in writing where only 7% achieved it. Nationally, the school ranks in the bottom 50% of primaries for combined expected standards.

The school offers a broad set of facilities including a library, playing fields, a forest school and a dining hall, with sports such as football, swimming, tennis and athletics available. Clubs include coding, science club and book club. For children with additional needs, the school provides support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, hearing impairment, autistic spectrum disorder and other difficulties. Parent View responses from 62 parents in the 2024/25 period are overwhelmingly positive: 90% would recommend the school, and strong majorities agree that their child is happy (89% strongly agree or agree) and feels safe (96%). However, the SEND support question shows a split, with 63% agreeing or strongly agreeing and 38% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing, which is worth noting for families considering the school for a child with identified needs. This is a popular, full-to-bursting local primary that suits families who prioritise a strong community feel and can navigate the competitive admissions process.

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