Nottingham Free School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 8 and 9, 2022. The school is located in the Courtaulds Building on Haydn Road in Nottingham and serves students aged 11 to 18. The school has a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in their school and enjoying the supportive environment fostered by staff who know them well. Leaders maintain high expectations for both academic achievements and behavior, and the curriculum is designed to be ambitious, encouraging students to excel.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior in lessons and feel safe within the school environment. They show respect for one another, staff, and visitors, and the school promotes respect for diversity, including different races and faiths. The school is recognized as a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and staff take bullying seriously, with most pupils reporting that it is rare. When incidents do occur, pupils appreciate the support provided.
All students participate in enrichment activities that help them develop new skills and appreciate the arts, music, and drama. They also receive guidance on various career paths and educational opportunities after completing their GCSEs. The curriculum is carefully planned to help pupils grasp complex ideas and revisit prior knowledge, which aids retention and understanding. Teachers are knowledgeable in their subjects and adept at helping students comprehend challenging concepts.
While most pupils achieve well and produce high-quality work, some, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, may not learn as effectively as their peers. Leaders are aware of this and have begun implementing improvements to better support these students. Teachers are now more informed about which pupils require additional assistance and have received training to enhance their support strategies, resulting in increased engagement from these students.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding, and most are attentive to when students struggle, providing necessary support. However, there are instances where assessments may not be thorough enough, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils. Additionally, some students face challenges with reading materials due to underdeveloped reading skills, which can hinder their learning. Leaders recognize the need for swift action to support these pupils in becoming fluent readers.
The school's behavior policy is consistently enforced, with support provided for pupils who struggle to meet expectations. Low-level disruptions are not tolerated, and teachers employ various strategies to encourage positive contributions from students. Consequently, most pupils engage well in lessons and exhibit appropriate behavior throughout the school.
Nottingham Free School offers a wide range of opportunities for pupils' broader development, including after-school enrichment activities, clubs, and access to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. These initiatives help students develop character, appreciate the arts, and engage socially. Pupils are educated on various moral issues, with discussions tailored to the local community's context.
The new headteacher has quickly identified strengths and areas for improvement within the school and is taking decisive action to address them. Staff feel engaged and valued, contributing to a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders fostering a culture where concerns about safety and well-being can be reported confidently. Overall, Nottingham Free School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with ongoing efforts to enhance learning outcomes for all students.
