Ashwood Spencer Academy
Derby, DE24 8FT · Derby · primary school
Check the area around this school
27th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.2/10 against 493 of them, against 4.2/10 nationally. 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ashwood Spencer Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 659 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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
Since the inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to teaching since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Ashwood Spencer Academy
Overview
Ashwood Spencer Academy is a primary school where leaders have driven significant improvements, resulting in a positive environment where pupils are "determined, resilient, expressive and ambitious." The report highlights that pupils enjoy attending school, feel safe, and are enthusiastic about their learning, with strong support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Leaders have strengthened the curriculum, placing the "development of vocabulary" at its heart and ensuring knowledge connects across subjects.
- Reading is a top priority, with a "systematic and sequenced approach" to teaching phonics and effective support for pupils who fall behind.
- Staff provide strong support for pupils with SEND, ensuring they follow the same curriculum as peers and thrive in positive learning environments.
- Pupils behave well, understanding the behaviour system as "fair," and benefit from nurture and support to manage their emotions.
- Staff feel valued and supported by leaders, who prioritise well-being and workload, contributing to successful school improvements.
Areas to improve
- Assessment systems in some foundation subjects are less well developed than in reading and mathematics, making it difficult to check precisely what pupils know.
- Too many pupils are persistently absent from school, which negatively impacts their progress through the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to recognise risks and leaders responding quickly to concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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