Derwent Primary School
Henlow, SG16 6BA · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
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4th of 36 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 95 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 — 7.0/10 against 4,208 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
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, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in netball, football, and basketball, alongside the school choir, Young Voices concerts, and the Ampthill Town Learner Band. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 419 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 curriculum support pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths? What specific support is available for children joining the breakfast club?
What Ofsted said about Derwent Primary School
Overview
Derwent Primary School continues to be a good school, having been steered well through a period of significant expansion and building work. Pupils talk positively about life at the school, achieving well in core subjects and adapting well to new facilities. Leaders and teachers share an ambitious vision, though some staff are still getting to grips with recent curriculum updates.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well in reading, writing, and mathematics, with a clearly defined reading programme ensuring most become fluent readers quickly.
- Leaders have revised the curriculum to ensure pupils acquire knowledge in the most logical order, with staff receiving supportive training.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with robust systems for recording concerns and staff knowing how to report issues promptly.
- Pupils know the school rules and values, focusing on lessons and feeling confident that teachers take bullying worries seriously.
- Governors hold leaders to account and understand their statutory duties, while staff feel valued and supported.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must be systematic in checking and building on prior learning in foundation subjects to deepen pupils’ understanding.
- Leaders need to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, are provided with learning activities suitably adapted to their specific needs.
- Leaders must ensure high expectations are matched in the work teachers set, as some pupils are currently given work that is not ambitious enough.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with pupils knowing how to stay safe and leaders acting promptly to support them and seek external advice as appropriate.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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