Orchard Community Primary School
Derby, DE74 2QU · Leicestershire · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,133 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.5/10 among them, against 6.5/10 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 | 82.0 · 90 | 40% | 3.62 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Orchard Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 82.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.5 out of 10 among them, against 6.5 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 303 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 12 places currently available, how does the school manage admissions for the upcoming academic year? Since the higher standard attainment is 2.0% versus the national 7%, what specific support is provided to pupils aiming for greater depth? How does the school engage parents in monitoring progress between formal assessment points?
What Ofsted said about Orchard Community Primary School
Overview
Orchard Community Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, which judged it Good for overall effectiveness. The report describes a “joyful and welcoming school” where pupils are “motivated and positive about school life” and achieve well. Leaders and staff work collaboratively to deliver a high-quality education that combines academic rigour with character development.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well-sequenced with coherent links across subjects,” helping pupils recall considerable knowledge.
- Mathematics teaching is strong, with a “sharp focus on arithmetic proficiency” and effective professional development for staff.
- Reading is a priority; phonics is effective, and pupils enjoy a range of authors and high-quality books.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils are “polite and courteous,” understand the rule of respect, and feel “safe and happy.”
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective, enabling them to achieve well.
Areas to improve
- Staff must refine teaching strategies to consistently engage and support pupils who struggle to access taught input, ensuring they do not miss key knowledge.
- Staff should focus pupils’ attention on the precision of writing skills, as some pupils’ spelling, grammar, and presentation are not yet accurate enough to support fluent written work.
Safeguarding
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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 88% |
| 2024/25 | 82% |
| 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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