Willoughton Primary School, Gainsborough

In its own words: "We aim to nurture and challenge our children to flourish and be the best that they can be through our caring family atmosphere where all children are equally important to us."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Our aim is to give you an insight into our school - our aims and practice. We are a small school situated in Willoughton village, 9 miles from Gainsborough. Our mission is to provide an inclusive education for all."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

In 2025, 86% of Year 6 pupils at Willoughton Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 100% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 72% and 71% in Lincolnshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 85% in reading and 69% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 7 families put Willoughton Primary School as their first choice and 10 named it as one of their preferences, for 7 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 Willoughton Primary School are Hemswell Cliff Primary School (2.5 miles, Good, 67% reading, 50% maths); Kirton Lindsey Primary Academy (3 miles); Corringham CofE VC Primary School (3.8 miles, Good, 71% reading, 71% maths); and Waddingham Primary School (3.8 miles, Good, 89% reading, 78% maths).

Willoughton Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 9 pupils (21.4%) received SEN support and 1 (2.4%) 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 moderate learning difficulty.

Willoughton Primary School had 9 teachers in 2026, one for every 5 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 Willoughton Primary School.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is War Memorial (opposite), 80 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Willoughton Primary School stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Lincolnshire (33).

In 2024/25, Willoughton Primary School issued 4 suspensions, 9.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.