Calow CofE VC Primary School
Chesterfield, S44 5BD · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.7/10 against 1,984 of them, against 7.4/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Calow CofE VC Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 192 pupils against a stated capacity of 199. 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 activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Calow CofE VC Primary School
Overview
Calow CofE VC Primary School is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking significant progress from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ rating. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils are kind, respectful, and ambitious, supported by a confident new leadership team. Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum with high expectations for both staff and pupils, fostering an environment where everyone is optimistic about future success.
Strengths
- Pupils display excellent behaviour and attitudes, living out the school’s motto to ‘show your shine everywhere’ through kindness and mutual respect.
- The curriculum is ambitious, with leaders prioritising subject-specific vocabulary, which is working well in subjects like history and art.
- Phonics teaching begins promptly in the early years, with staff trained to confidently support pupils in acquiring new sounds.
- Staff feel valued and supported, with leaders investing heavily in professional development and considering workload.
- Strong pastoral care ensures pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support for their social and emotional regulation.
Areas to improve
- Curriculum planning in a very small number of foundation subjects lacks precision, meaning key knowledge is not clearly mapped out.
- Leaders have not yet developed a consistent approach to checking what pupils know in foundation subjects, leading to gaps in learning.
- The long-term impact of recent curriculum changes on what pupils know and remember has not been fully monitored or evaluated.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with experienced leads who respond quickly to concerns and maintain strong links with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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