Best 3 Primary schools in East Midlands – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of primary schools: Castleward Spencer Academy (Primary) in Derby; Branston Church of England Infant Academy (Primary) in Lincoln; Hucknall Flying High Academy (Primary) in Nottingham — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Castleward Spencer Academy, Branston Church of England Infant Academy and Hucknall Flying High Academy. They are primary phase and free schools and academy converter type located around Derby, Lincoln, Lincolnshire and Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Castleward Spencer Academy), published Sep 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Castleward Spencer Academy (Sep 2024). average roll around ≈ 150, combined total ≈ 500, typical FSM 15–20%, range 15–20%–15–20%; spread across trusts such as THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST, LINCOLN ANGLICAN ACADEMY TRUST and FLYING HIGH TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Castleward Spencer Academy DE1 2RJ	Branston Church of England Infant Academy LN4 1PR	Hucknall Flying High Academy NG15 6WU
Phase / Type	Primary • Free schools	Primary • Academy converter	Primary • Free schools
Location	Derby DE1 2RJ	Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 1PR	Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 6WU
Latest Ofsted	1 18 Sep 2024	1 12 Sep 2024	1 11 Jul 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	236	135	210
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Not applicable	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST	LINCOLN ANGLICAN ACADEMY TRUST	FLYING HIGH TRUST
Website	castlewardspencer.org.uk	www.branston-infant.lincs.sch.uk	www.hucknallfha.co.uk
Telephone	01332949471	01522791907	01157012020
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Castleward Spencer Academy

DE1 2RJ

Phase / Type: Primary • Free schools
Location: Derby
DE1 2RJ
Ofsted: 1 18 Sep 2024
Pupils: ≈ 150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST
Website: castlewardspencer.org.uk
Telephone: 01332949471

Branston Church of England Infant Academy

LN4 1PR

Phase / Type: Primary • Academy converter
Location: Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN4 1PR
Ofsted: 1 12 Sep 2024
Pupils: ≈ 150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: LINCOLN ANGLICAN ACADEMY TRUST
Website: www.branston-infant.lincs.sch.uk
Telephone: 01522791907

Hucknall Flying High Academy

NG15 6WU

Phase / Type: Primary • Free schools
Location: Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG15 6WU
Ofsted: 1 11 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: FLYING HIGH TRUST
Website: www.hucknallfha.co.uk
Telephone: 01157012020

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.