Dale Community Primary School
Derby, DE23 6NL · Derby · primary school
Check the area around this school
30th 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 — 5.2/10 against 828 of them, against 3.7/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dale Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Young Voices Choir, Maths club, and Improve your English groups. Lunchtime sports and league games are available, alongside the Forest Schools Programme. An after-school club also operates.
Getting in
The published school roll is 545 pupils against a stated capacity of 556. 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 included in the Forest Schools Programme? How does the after-school club structure its daily sessions?
What Ofsted said about Dale Community Primary School
Overview
Dale Community Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "friendly, welcoming and inclusive" environment where pupils are "happy and safe." The report highlights a strong "culture of inclusivity" and an "ambitious curriculum" that supports diverse learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities and those learning English as an additional language. While the school provides high-quality pastoral care and effective phonics teaching, it must address inconsistencies in curriculum clarity and high levels of pupil absence.
Strengths
- Pupils receive tailored support, with a "family feel" fostered by staff and the school dog, Bramble.
- The curriculum is carefully designed to build knowledge progressively, with a strong focus on language and vocabulary.
- Phonics teaching is precise and logical, enabling pupils to become "more fluent readers" with effective catch-up support.
- The school promotes respect for diversity, ensuring local community representation in books and activities.
- Governors "support and challenge the work of the school in equal measure," and staff feel valued.
Areas to improve
- Ensure precise subject knowledge is clear in all lessons so pupils can confidently connect and build their learning.
- Monitor the impact of recent curriculum refinements to confirm pupils are knowing and remembering more.
- Reduce high levels of regular absence to ensure pupils do not miss out on "vital learning."
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 | 33% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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