Derwent Primary School
Derby, DE21 6AL · Derby · primary school
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57th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.0/10 against 994 of them, against 1.7/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 29.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.10 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.02 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Derwent Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 313 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 core subjects? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in reading and maths? How does the school plan to maintain current capacity levels for future entry years?
What Ofsted said about Derwent Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school "requires special measures" because it is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" and leaders are not demonstrating the capacity to secure necessary improvement. While safeguarding standards are met and personal development is strong, achievement, curriculum delivery, and leadership require urgent improvement.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
- Personal development is at an "Expected standard," with a "clear programme" helping pupils learn about fairness, cultures, and mental health.
- Pastoral support is "well-organised," ensuring pupils have access to adults who help with emotional and social needs.
- Pupils describe the school as "friendly and welcoming" and value roles such as school councillors.
- Attendance has improved, with a "reduction in persistent absence" due to close work with families and external agencies.
Areas to improve
- Achievement is rated "Urgent improvement," as many pupils do not achieve well and "gaps in pupils' knowledge are not identified."
- Curriculum and teaching need "Urgent improvement," with "inconsistencies and inaccuracies" and staff lacking necessary subject knowledge.
- Inclusion systems are not effective enough, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- Leadership and governance require "Urgent improvement," as governors "do not receive the right information to hold leaders to account."
- Behaviour needs attention, with "mixed" standards and "too many suspensions" in some sessions.
Safeguarding
The report confirms that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, making pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 27% |
| 2023/24 | 21% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| 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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