Dovecote Primary and Nursery School, Nottingham

In its own words: "Dovecote Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school in Clifton, Nottingham, where children are at the heart of everything we do. Our aim is simple: for every child to thrive. We want our children to feel happy, safe and valued, while developing the knowledge, confidence and curiosity they need for the future."

The school runs a breakfast club.

In 2025, 50% of Year 6 pupils at Dovecote Primary and Nursery School reached the expected standard in reading and 33% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 73% in Nottingham and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 68% in reading and 55% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 16 families put Dovecote Primary and Nursery School as their first choice and 28 named it as one of their preferences, for 17 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Dovecote Primary and Nursery School are The Glapton Academy (0.5 miles, Good, 85% reading, 80% maths); Blessed Robert Widmerpool Catholic Primary and Nursery School (0.9 miles, Outstanding, 94% reading, 84% maths); Whitegate Primary and Nursery School (0.9 miles, Good, 80% reading, 78% maths); and The Milford Academy (0.9 miles, Good, 83% reading, 86% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Dovecote Primary and Nursery School.

21 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Dovecote Primary and Nursery School (as of September 2025): 67% would recommend the school, 86% say their child is happy there and 50% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (91%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (50%).

42.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 30.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (56%), Asian (15%) and Black (12%).

The nearest tram or metro stop is Southchurch Drive North Tram Stop, about 310 metres away (roughly a 4-minute walk).

17 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Woodbridge Avenue, 80 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Dovecote Primary and Nursery School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 171 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Nottingham (391).

In 2024/25, Dovecote Primary and Nursery School issued 20 suspensions, 6.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Dovecote Primary and Nursery School are Farnborough Spencer Academy (0.4 miles) and The Becket School (1.4 miles).