Nottingham Free School
108%
Capacity
673
Pupils
4.2x
Demand
About Nottingham Free School
Nottingham Free School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Nottingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 673 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 626 places).
Ofsted has rated Nottingham Free School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jo Simpson, it falls under Nottingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.29 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 52.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 857th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 14 in Nottingham.
Nottingham Free School is a popular choice with families — it received 489 applications for 116 places, making it 4.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 160 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 Nottingham Free School include Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Theatre, Library, Science Labs, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Rugby, Martial Arts, Rounders and 3 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Orchestra, Chess, Book Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.4%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Nottingham, Nottingham Free 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | The Courtaulds Building, Nottingham, Nottingham, NG5 1EB |
| Headteacher | Jo Simpson |
| Local Authority | Nottingham |
| Number of Pupils | 673 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.4% |
| School Capacity | 673 / 626 (108% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Nov 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (9 Nov 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 24 Jul 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.29)
857th of 3,141
Nationally
61st of 273
In East Midlands
2nd of 14
In Nottingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
35.7
'22/23
34.0
'23/24
35.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed116
489
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
160 families put this school as their 1st choice (33% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nottingham Free 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
The Courtaulds Building, Nottingham
Nottingham, NG5 1EB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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