The Sir Donald Bailey Academy
89%
Capacity
523
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About The Sir Donald Bailey Academy
The Sir Donald Bailey Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Newark and Sherwood community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 523 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 585 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated The Sir Donald Bailey Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Joanne Knapp, it falls under Nottinghamshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 76% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2520th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 32 in Newark and Sherwood.
The Sir Donald Bailey Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 88 applications for 60 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 55 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 The Sir Donald Bailey Academy include Library, Sensory Room, Outdoor Playground, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Rounders, Athletics, Netball and 1 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Gardening, Drama, Eco Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 57.2%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Newark and Sherwood, The Sir Donald Bailey 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Bailey Road, Newark, Newark and Sherwood, NG24 4EP |
| Headteacher | Joanne Knapp |
| Local Authority | Nottinghamshire |
| Number of Pupils | 523 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 57.2% |
| School Capacity | 523 / 585 (89% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (21 Jun 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 22 Oct 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (76%)
2520th of 13,686
Nationally
211th of 1,353
In East Midlands
5th of 32
In Newark and Sherwood
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
76%
Expected Standard
1%
Higher Standard
'22/23
71%
'23/24
76%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
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
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed60
88
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
55 families put this school as their 1st choice (63% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Sir Donald Bailey Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Bailey Road, Newark
Newark and Sherwood, NG24 4EP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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