Elkesley Primary and Nursery School, Retford

From the headteacher's welcome: "Our school is at the heart of the community and places great emphasis on its relationships with pupils, parents and other members of the community. Our aim at Elkesley is to provide all pupils with a stimulating and inclusive educational environment in which everyone feels safe, respected and supported to grow and develop to their full potential."

In 2025, 40% of Year 6 pupils at Elkesley Primary and Nursery School reached the expected standard in reading and 50% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 76% in Nottinghamshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 93% in reading and 71% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 10 families put Elkesley Primary and Nursery School as their first choice and 11 named it as one of their preferences, for 10 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Elkesley Primary and Nursery School are Gamston St Peter's CofE Primary School (1.8 miles, Good, 77% reading, 69% maths); Walesby CofE Primary School (2.8 miles, Requires improvement, 67% reading, 75% maths); Ordsall Primary School (3 miles, Good, 64% reading, 67% maths); and Thrumpton Primary Academy (3.2 miles, Good, 75% reading, 96% maths).

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

15 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Elkesley Primary and Nursery School (as of September 2025): 100% would recommend the school and 100% say their child is happy there.

The strongest agreement was that the school supports their child's wider development (100%); the weakest, that the school has high expectations for their child (93%).

2.9% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 19 pupils (18.4%) received SEN support and 2 (1.9%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

Elkesley Primary and Nursery School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 16 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Retford Low Level Rail Station, about 3.2 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Headland Avenue (w-bound), 80 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, other theft and vehicle crime. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Nottinghamshire (101).

Elkesley Primary and Nursery School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.