Kirkstead Junior Academy
Pinxton, NG16 6NA · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
9th 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 — 10.0/10 against 1,571 of them, against 9.9/10 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 | 93.0 · 99 | 40% | 3.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 36.0 · 99 | 25% | 2.49 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Kirkstead Junior Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 93.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 36.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. 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 (10.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Singing Club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 216 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the Singing Club? How does the school plan to maintain its current standards following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Kirkstead Junior Academy
Overview
Kirkstead Junior Academy is described as a ‘great place to learn’ where leaders have fostered an ambitious team and strong community links. The report highlights high staff morale, effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and a curriculum that encourages deep engagement through ‘learning journeys’.
Strengths
- Leaders provide exceptional support, ensuring staff feel ‘exceptionally well supported’ with high morale and manageable workloads.
- Reading is prioritised with attractive displays and targeted help, enabling pupils to read with ‘fluency and stamina’.
- Staff use a consistent teaching approach called ‘learning mine’, helping pupils ‘load their carts’ with knowledge before independent work.
- Pupils demonstrate pride in their work, listen well, and experience ‘harmonious’ playtimes with little bullying.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders acting ‘swiftly’ and being ‘tenacious’ in securing help for families.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should refine the curriculum to ensure pupils consistently recall prior learning and use it to explore complex ideas, as some struggle to remember important knowledge.
- Leaders should develop further opportunities for all pupils to pursue interests and talents beyond the taught curriculum, as currently not all have this chance.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring staff understand local risks and that pupils know how to stay safe online and report concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 89% |
| 2023/24 | 89% |
| 2024/25 | 93% |
| 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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