Arboretum Primary School
Derby, DE23 8GP · Derby · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st of 59 primary schools in Derby we can score, 74 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.7/10 against 385 of them, against 0.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 29.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Arboretum Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 607 pupils against a stated capacity of 585. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between expected and higher standards?
What Ofsted said about Arboretum Primary School
Overview
Pupils report that they ‘love’ their school, feeling safe and valued as individuals. The inspection found that the school has acted swiftly to improve the curriculum, resulting in a ‘well-sequenced’ approach that helps pupils build knowledge. Leaders provide effective management, with staff reporting high job satisfaction and a focus on pupil well-being.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘well-sequenced’, helping pupils build knowledge, with particular success in transforming the teaching of writing.
- Reading is prioritised through a consistent phonic programme, enabling children to become ‘confident readers’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive ‘personalised support’ and benefit from adapted teaching strategies.
- Behaviour is strong, with pupils acting upon rules to be ‘ready, respectful and safe’, and attendance has ‘improved significantly’.
- Staff demonstrate ‘secure subject knowledge’ and take time to fill gaps in pupils’ understanding across subjects.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure sufficient opportunities for all pupils to recall previous learning, as some currently ‘struggle to recall what they have learned’.
- Systems to evaluate curriculum implementation are not yet in place across all foundation subjects; the school must establish these to enable ‘precise analysis’ of strengths and weaknesses.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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