Old Hall Junior School
Chesterfield, S40 3QR · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
42nd 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.6/10 against 3,191 of them, against 7.9/10 nationally. 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Old Hall Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 250 pupils against a stated capacity of 260. 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
With 10 places currently spare, how does the school manage waiting lists for specific entry years? Since the last inspection was in 2023, what changes have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Old Hall Junior School
Overview
Old Hall Junior School continues to be a good school, praised for its "caring and inclusive ethos" and the positive attitudes pupils display towards learning. The report highlights that pupils behave very well, feel safe, and enjoy lessons that challenge them to "think deeply." Leaders have recently rewritten the curriculum, introducing new programmes for mathematics and reading, with early findings described as positive.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning" and enjoy earning rewards for upholding school values.
- The curriculum is enriched by visits to places such as the National Space Centre and the Derbyshire ‘plague village’ of Eyam.
- Leaders prioritise reading, describing it as ‘at the heart of the school’, with high-quality books and skilled support for those not yet fluent.
- Staff report positive support regarding workload and well-being, with leaders reducing pressure so teachers can "fully focus on their teaching."
- Pupils learn to respect a range of faiths and cultures, developing as "thoughtful young citizens."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure the revised curriculum is "fully and consistently implemented" and that they have a fully accurate picture of its impact on pupils’ knowledge.
- Leaders should ensure pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "skilled, targeted support" and that staff receive regular, systematic training for their roles.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders following a mantra of ‘listen, then act’ and ensuring staff receive regular training and updates.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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