The Minster School

Academy · Secondary, ages 7 to 18 · Mixed · Church of England · Sixth form

Part of MINSTER TRUST FOR EDUCATION

Nottingham Road, Southwell, NG25 0LG

01636 814000 · School website · Map and directions

OfstedGoodInspected 21 November 2023
Grade 5 or above in English and maths58%England 45% · 2024/25
Joint 10th highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 79% of 3,259 state secondary schools in England.
Pupils1,616Room for 1,651 Pupil numbers in January of each year: 1,562 in 2019, 1,610 in 2021, 1,631 in 2022, 1,636 in 2023, 1,647 in 2024, 1,618 in 2025, 1,616 in 2026. Across England, secondary state school pupil numbers were up 10% from 2019 to 2025.
First-choice applications per place1.1256 for 231 places, September 2024
15th highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 72% of 3,221 state secondary schools in England.

Ofsted inspection

Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 21 November 2023.

This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.

AreaGrade
Quality of educationGood
Behaviour and attitudesGood
Personal developmentOutstanding
Leadership and managementGood
Sixth formOutstanding
SafeguardingEffective

Read the full Ofsted reports for this school

Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.

What parents say

311 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.

Nottinghamshire comparisons use the 24 of its 45 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 21 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.

StatementThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
My child is happy at this school
Joint 6th highest of 24 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 49% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
83% 76% 88%
My child feels safe at this school
Joint 7th highest of 24 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 43% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
84% 79% 90%
The school makes sure pupils are well behaved
Joint 8th highest of 24 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 38% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
73% 70% 84%
Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 125 parents whose child had been bullied
Joint 10th highest of 24 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 45% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
48% 45% 49%
Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 243 parents who had raised a concern
Joint 13th highest of 24 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 30% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
61% 61% 75%
I would recommend this school to another parent
Joint 5th highest of 24 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 53% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
81%said yes 70% 84%

Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Nottinghamshire figures pool parents at the Nottinghamshire schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.

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Results

Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25

10 pupils in this year group.

100% — 36 points above the Nottinghamshire average, and 38 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths 100% 64% 62%
Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths 60% 7% 8%
Met the expected standard in reading 100% 76% 75%
Met the expected standard in writing 100% 73% 72%
Met the expected standard in maths 100% 76% 74%
Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. 114 105 106
Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. 114 105 105
Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, over time
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% England 2022/23: 60%England 2023/24: 61%England 2024/25: 62% This school 2022/23: 100%This school 2023/24: 85%This school 2024/25: 100% This school England 62% 2022/23 100% 2023/24 85% 2024/25 100%

Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25

244 pupils in this year group.

58% — 11 points above the Nottinghamshire average, and 12 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
Grade 5 or above in English and maths 58% 47% 45%
Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. 55.9 46.8 46.1
EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. 5.0 4.2 4.1
Grade 5 or above in English and maths, over time
40% 50% 60% 70% 80% England 2022/23: 45%England 2023/24: 46%England 2024/25: 45% This school 2022/23: 66%This school 2023/24: 57%This school 2024/25: 58% This school England 45% 2022/23 66% 2023/24 57% 2024/25 58%

Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.

Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

After Year 11

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

244 pupils in this year group.

97% — 5 points above the Nottinghamshire average, and 5 points above the England average.

Where pupils went after Year 11
This school 66%24%
England 34%13%37%
MeasureThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. 97% 92% 92%
School sixth form 66% 36% 34%
Sixth form college 1% 4% 13%
Further education college 24% 42% 37%
Apprenticeship 2% 5% 3%
Work 3% 3% 3%

Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time

2023/242024/25
96%97%

Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25

175 A level students in this year group.

MeasureThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
Average A level grade B- C+ B-
A level exams graded A* or A 27% 25% 26%
A level exams graded A* to B 53% 51% 53%
Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. 35.8 34.6 35
Average points per A level entry, over time
30 35 40 England 2022/23: 34.2England 2023/24: 34.4England 2024/25: 35 This school 2022/23: 34.9This school 2023/24: 36.2This school 2024/25: 35.8 This school England 35 2022/23 34.9 2023/24 36.2 2024/25 35.8

A level subjects, 2024/25

27 subjects, 514 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.

SubjectExamsA*A* or AEngland A* or A
Mathematics 51 24% 47% 40%
Business Studies:Single 48 15% 23% 16%
Psychology 36 6% 25% 19%
Biology 35 23% 40% 27%
Physics 33 15% 36% 31%
Chemistry 32 16% 44% 30%
Media/Film/Tv Studies 28 0% 4% 14%
Geography 25 8% 36% 23%
English Language 23 4% 9% 13%
History 21 0% 10% 23%
English Literature 20 5% 25% 23%
Government and Politics 19 0% 5% 26%
Religious Studies 18 0% 6% 22%
Economics 17 6% 29% 26%
Physical Education / Sports Studies 17 0% 12% 17%
Art and Design (Photography) 15 0% 13% 26%
Mathematics (Further) 14 29% 64% 59%
Art and Design (Fine Art) 11 9% 36% 38%
Design and Technology (Product Design) 11 0% 9% 15%
Drama and Theatre Studies 9 0% 22% 19%
Spanish 7 0% 71% 34%

Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Computer Studies / Computing, French, Music, Music Technology, Design and Technology (Textiles Technology), German.

Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.

Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

After sixth form

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

179 students in this year group.

91% — 7 points above the Nottinghamshire average, and 12 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. 91% 84% 79%
Apprenticeship 5% 10% 7%
Work 23% 29% 28%

Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time

2023/242024/25
89%91%

Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

Going on to university

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

182 students in this year group.

75% — 12 points above the Nottinghamshire average, and 15 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
Went on to a degree or other higher education 75% 63% 60%
Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. 42% 23% 19%

Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time

2023/242024/25
73%75%

Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

Admissions

Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Nottinghamshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.

How hard is it to get in?

For the September 2024 intake there were about 1 first-choice applications for every place.

Places offered231
Families who put it first256
Of those, offered a place229 (89%)
Families who listed it at all494

This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2024 intake.

This is a Church of England school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.

Admissions dates and schools in Nottinghamshire

Pupils, staff and SEND

PupilsThis schoolNottinghamshireEngland
Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years
44th highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 7% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
9.9% 25.2%* 28.9%
With an education, health and care plan
16th highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 23% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
1.9% 1.5%* 3.1%
Receiving special educational needs support
43rd highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 5% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
5.2% 10.7%* 13.4%
English as an additional language
42nd highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 14% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
3.4% 10.4%* 19.2%
Overall absence (sessions missed)
4th lowest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Lower than 80% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England.
6.5% 8.3%* 8.4%
Persistently absent (missed 10% or more)
2nd lowest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Lower than 88% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England.
14.2% 22.1%* 23.4%
Suspensions per 100 pupils
9th lowest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Lower than 72% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
7.7 30.4 21.2
Pupils suspended at least once
7th lowest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Lower than 76% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
3.8% 8.3% 7.3%
Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils 0.00% 0.25% 0.23%
Pupils per teacher
25th highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 61% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England.
17.3 17.5 16.7
Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff)
Joint 23rd highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 58% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
12.2 12.3 11.8
Teachers who left during the year
45th highest of 45 state secondary schools in Nottinghamshire.
Higher than 3% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England.
4.1% 12.6%* 14.2%*

Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.

Questions parents ask

What is The Minster School's Ofsted rating?

The Minster School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 21 November 2023.

How did The Minster School do in its GCSEs?

In 2024/25, 58% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 12 points above the England average of 45%.

Would parents recommend The Minster School?

81% of the 311 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend The Minster School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.

Is The Minster School oversubscribed?

For the September 2024 intake, 256 families put The Minster School as their first choice for 231 places: about 1 first-choice applications for every place. 229 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.

Sources

Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.

Page updated 26 September 2026.