Chaucer Junior School
Ilkeston, DE7 5JH · Derbyshire · primary school
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92nd 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 — 7.2/10 against 1,246 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Chaucer Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. A higher 12.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join sewing, Arty Thrivers, wellness, choir, cooking, gardening, and STEM clubs. Sports include football, netball, gymnastics, hockey, tennis, basketball, badminton, and dance. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 233 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 does a typical day look like for a child joining the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2025 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Chaucer Junior School
Overview
Chaucer Junior School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils describe the school as a "fun and friendly" environment where they feel safe, valued, and proud of their learning. The school fosters strong relationships and high expectations, ensuring pupils are well-prepared for secondary education.
Strengths
- Pupils have "trusting relationships with staff" and live out core values such as kindness, resilience, and tolerance in their daily interactions.
- The curriculum is "well-thought-out," with teachers using clear explanations and modelling to help pupils secure understanding in core subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Reading is a clear priority, with well-trained staff providing targeted support to help pupils develop fluency and confidence with "high-quality, engaging texts."
- Personal development is a "clear and successful focus," helping pupils understand relationships, equality, consent, and fundamental British values.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the same curriculum as their peers, with "well-judged support" enabling them to learn alongside others without lowered expectations.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, tasks sometimes focus on creativity rather than necessary subject matter, meaning some pupils do not secure the intended knowledge. The school should ensure teaching tasks "match its curriculum goals" so all pupils can learn content in depth.
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 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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