Blackfordby St Margaret's Church of England Primary School
Swadlincote, DE11 8AB · Leicestershire · primary school
Check the area around this school
212nd of 215 primary schools in Leicestershire we can score, 231 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 4,152 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3/10 among them, against 0.9/10 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 | 40.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.32 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.21 |
| 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.
Blackfordby St Margaret's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3 out of 10 among them, against 0.9 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council, Sports Ambassadors, and Christian Ethos Team, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 86 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 literacy? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment in maths? How does the new Ofsted framework affect daily teaching practices?
What Ofsted said about Blackfordby St Margaret's Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school that has experienced an "unsetled period" due to staffing changes but is now stabilising under new leadership. While teaching and the curriculum are now "meticulously planned," historical issues have resulted in pupils not achieving as highly as they should, particularly in mathematics and for disadvantaged groups.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "meticulously planned and sequenced," with content building cumulatively to help pupils recall learning with "increased fluency."
- Teachers possess "secure subject knowledge" and effectively identify gaps in prior learning, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive necessary support.
- Early years provision is strong, with a "sharp focus on developing children’s communication and language skills" and purposeful staff interactions.
- Pupils are "confident, respectful and considerate," benefiting from a well-organised personal development offer that promotes fundamental British values.
- Behaviour is typically positive, with bullying described as "rare" and suspension rates having "significantly reduced."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure plans for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are "consistently specific" to accurately track achievement.
- The pupil premium strategy requires greater rigour, with clear measures for impact and ensuring all staff understand their roles.
- Leaders should continue to raise achievement in mathematics and improve attendance rates, which remain significantly below national averages.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 40% |
| 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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