Barlow CofE Primary School
Dronfield, S18 7TA · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
190th of 263 primary schools in Derbyshire we can score, 354 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 the 3,673 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3/10 among them, against 2.1/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| 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.
Barlow CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% 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 March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3 out of 10 among them, against 2.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Forest School, Boccia, Fencing, and Sapphire Young Voices, alongside breakfast and after-school clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 86 pupils against a stated capacity of 87. 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 curriculum support pupils reaching the higher standard? What does a typical day in Forest School involve?
What Ofsted said about Barlow CofE Primary School
Overview
Barlow CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a happy and orderly environment where pupils feel safe and cared for. The school offers a rich and ambitious curriculum with excellent staff subject knowledge, ensuring pupils build on their existing understanding and develop resilience.
Strengths
- Pupils are "confident and polite," enjoying learning and engaging in "well-established routines" and memorable experiences like forest school and residential trips.
- Staff possess "excellent subject knowledge," providing clear explanations and using resources effectively to help pupils learn knowledge securely.
- The curriculum is "effectively sequenced" so pupils deepen their understanding over time, with a strong focus on reading and phonics.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is robust, ensuring they "access the same learning opportunities as their peers."
- Staff are well supported, enjoying opportunities to develop expertise, while governors play an "active role" in supporting the school’s development.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, curriculum plans are "new and not yet firmly embedded," requiring consistent implementation.
- The school needs to establish "robust systems" to check how securely pupils can remember what they have learned in all subjects, particularly in foundation subjects where routines are lacking.
Safeguarding
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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