Darley Churchtown Church of England Primary School
Matlock, DE4 2GL · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
122nd 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 — 6.6/10 against 592 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| 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.
Darley Churchtown Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The percentage reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 41 pupils against a stated capacity of 106. 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school provision? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the recent inspection?
What Ofsted said about Darley Churchtown Church of England Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Darley Churchtown Church of England Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “welcoming school” with “big aspirations” where pupils thrive in a positive environment built on strong relationships. Leaders have successfully stabilised the school and developed a broad, challenging curriculum that prepares pupils well for their future lives.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well sequenced” and prioritises reading, with skilled staff delivering phonics expertly so that “most pupils quickly learn to read.”
- Pupils become “accurate, fluent writers” and produce “high-quality written work” through structured practice in handwriting, spelling, and grammar.
- Staff know pupils very well and provide effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), helping them to “work confidently” and develop independence.
- The school offers extensive enrichment, including the “11 things before 11” character-building activities, residential trips, and community engagement, which broaden pupils’ understanding of the world.
- Behaviour is excellent, with pupils being “polite and respectful,” resulting in “no disruptions to learning.”
Areas to improve
- Teachers must ensure they “check pupils’ learning closely” and apply routines for checking understanding consistently to identify gaps in knowledge.
- The school needs to correct misconceptions “quickly” so that mistakes do not persist and pupils can improve their work more effectively.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DE4 2GL, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT