Ash Croft Primary Academy
Derby, DE24 3HF · Derby · primary school
Check the area around this school
48th 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 — 0.8/10 against 1,564 of them, against 0.9/10 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 | 41.0 · 9 | 40% | 0.35 |
| 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.
Ash Croft Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.0% 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% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. 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 (0.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 208 pupils against a stated capacity of 280. 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific interventions are in place for the 2022 inspection findings? How does the school structure the day for children who need additional help with reading?
What Ofsted said about Ash Croft Primary Academy
Overview
Ash Croft Primary Academy is described as a “happy school” where pupils “rise to the challenge” of high expectations. Leaders have implemented a “carefully constructed curriculum” that helps pupils remember key knowledge, supported by “respectful and positive” relationships between staff and pupils. The report notes that the school has made “significant improvements” since joining its trust, with staff feeling valued and parents largely positive.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “designed and implemented effectively,” with clear sequencing in many subjects that helps pupils use “subject-specific vocabulary with confidence.”
- Phonics is taught “systematically by expert staff,” with precise assessment ensuring pupils who struggle receive timely support.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective, with staff trained in “best strategies” to help these pupils access the full curriculum.
- Early years provision is strong, with children quickly learning routines and demonstrating “well-developed social skills.”
- Personal development is supported by a curriculum that teaches respect for different faiths and cultures, ensuring pupils know “any kind of discrimination is wrong.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders must review curriculum plans in a “small number of foundation subjects” to precisely identify key knowledge and improve assessment effectiveness.
- Leaders should take time to “review the impact of their work” to ensure recent changes are having the intended effect and to embed successes.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting a “strong safeguarding culture” where staff are trained to spot risks and concerns are followed up without fail.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 41% |
| 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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