Park Vale Academy
95%
Capacity
898
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Park Vale Academy
Park Vale Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Nottingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 898 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 950 places).
Ofsted has rated Park Vale Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Steve Bowhay, it falls under Nottingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.06 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.0. Additionally, ranked 1663rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 14 in Nottingham.
Park Vale Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 327 applications for 178 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 162 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Park Vale Academy include Gymnasium, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Astro Turf, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Cricket, Gymnastics, Basketball and 6 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Art Club, DofE, Debate and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 43.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Nottingham, Park Vale Academy 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 | Top Valley Drive, Nottingham, Nottingham, NG5 9AZ |
| Headteacher | Steve Bowhay |
| Local Authority | Nottingham |
| Number of Pupils | 898 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 43.0% |
| School Capacity | 898 / 950 (95% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 6 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.06)
1663rd of 3,141
Nationally
137th of 273
In East Midlands
6th of 14
In Nottingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed178
327
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
162 families put this school as their 1st choice (50% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Park Vale Academy
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
Top Valley Drive, Nottingham
Nottingham, NG5 9AZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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