Dronfield Junior School
Dronfield, S18 1RY · Derbyshire · primary school
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115th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.9/10 against 3,300 of them, against 4.8/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 62% | 2.26 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dronfield Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Y6 Homework Club, Computing Club, Film Clubs, Board Game Club, Table Tennis, Football, Streetdance, Chess, History Club and School Choir. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 319 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 Wellness Wednesdays and Thriving Thursdays sessions? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Dronfield Junior School
Overview
Dronfield Junior School is described as a "happy community" where pupils "enjoy learning and playing together" within a "warm and welcoming environment." The inspection confirms that leaders provide effective support, resulting in a curriculum that is "rich and ambitious" and a culture where pupils are "well prepared for life beyond school."
Strengths
- Reading is "at the heart of the curriculum," with "skilful support" provided to help pupils become "fluent and accurate readers."
- The curriculum is "organised with care" so pupils build learning "step by step," allowing them to "recall, and apply, what they have learned" in most subjects.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "identified without delay" and receive the "right support and adaptations" to access the same curriculum.
- A new behaviour policy, informed by expert advice, has made a "significant difference," with clear expectations that pupils be "ready, respectful and safe."
- Personal development is "well-considered," with pupils participating in a "wide range of sports" and clubs, fostering attributes like resilience and empathy.
Areas to improve
- In a "very small number of subjects," pupils do not remember prior learning with confidence, creating gaps that hinder the acquisition of new knowledge.
- At "less structured points in the school day," a minority of pupils fail to demonstrate the expected self-control and consideration for others.
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 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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