North Clifton Primary School, Newark

Ofsted's report card from its 19 May 2026 inspection grades North Clifton Primary School on 6 areas: 4 strong standard and 2 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "The school's kind and caring environment means that pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Leaders are highly aspirational for disadvantaged pupils."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders bring a highly strategic approach to school development."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have designed the school's programme of personal development with the same degree of meticulous care as the rest of the curriculum."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, leave the school well prepared for the next step in their education."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "The school's curriculum is ambitious."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that staff consistently prioritise the delivery of the intended knowledge in lessons, rather than the task that pupils complete"; "The school should continue to support pupils to deepen their learning so that they are well placed to achieve the higher standards in national tests at key stage 2"; "Leaders should further embed their approach to the teaching of handwriting to ensure that all pupils develop accurate and fluent handwriting".

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a small school with big ideas. At North Clifton it is our vision that all children will become independent learners. We believe in nurturing their passion, encouraging their individuality and personalising their learning. We believe that children who take ownership of their learning will achieve their very best."

The school runs after-school care.

For September 2026 entry, 3 families put North Clifton Primary School as their first choice and 6 named it as one of their preferences, for 3 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 North Clifton Primary School are Newton-on-Trent CofE Primary School (2 miles, Good, 86% reading, 71% maths); Dunham-on-Trent CofE Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 67% reading, 47% maths); St Matthew's CofE Primary School (2.4 miles); and North Scarle Primary School (3.1 miles, Requires improvement, 100% reading, 86% maths).

In 2026, 4 pupils (20%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) 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 a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

North Clifton Primary School had 3 teachers in 2026, one for every 7 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of North Clifton Primary School.

In August 2026, police recorded 0 crimes within a mile of the school. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Nottinghamshire (101).

North Clifton Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.