Donisthorpe Primary School
Swadlincote, DE12 7QF · Leicestershire · primary school
Check the area around this school
69th of 215 primary schools in Leicestershire we can score, 231 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 — 5.5/10 against 4,265 of them, against 5.9/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Donisthorpe Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2025. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 207 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are available within the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the recent inspection?
What Ofsted said about Donisthorpe Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection found that Donisthorpe Primary School’s work has “improved significantly across all areas” since its previous graded inspection. Consequently, the school’s next inspection will be a graded one. The report describes the school as “inclusive and welcoming,” where pupils are “happy,” “highly engaged,” and feel safe.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “broad, aspirational and ambitious,” with staff effectively identifying and addressing gaps in pupils’ understanding.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is “highly effective,” enabling them to access the full curriculum and achieve success.
- Reading is prioritised with an “expertly” delivered phonics programme, resulting in pupils who read with “confidence and fluency.”
- Behaviour is described as “exceptional,” with a “calm and orderly” environment where pupils demonstrate “high levels of kindness and respect.”
- Leaders provide “sharp and thorough oversight,” while the trust offers “well-focused support” and considers staff well-being.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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 DE12 7QF, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT