Penny Acres Primary School
Dronfield, S18 7WP · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
10th 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 — 9.9/10 against 4,250 of them, against 9.8/10 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 | 88.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 38.0 · 100 | 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.
Penny Acres Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 38.0% of pupils, 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 (9.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 59 pupils against a stated capacity of 50. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing an increased pupil population?
What Ofsted said about Penny Acres Primary School
Overview
Penny Acres Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils express great pride and feel "well educated, included and kept safe." The school fosters a nurturing environment with exemplary behaviour, strong community links, and high staff retention, supported by an ambitious curriculum that helps pupils become articulate and confident learners.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary" behaviour, showing "great care and respect" for one another, with older pupils acting as excellent role models.
- The phonics curriculum is "well structured," enabling most pupils to become fluent readers who are "excited by books."
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "strong," with needs quickly identified and lessons appropriately adapted.
- Teachers deliver lessons with "great skill and enthusiasm," explaining complex concepts clearly and regularly checking understanding.
- Staff welfare is prioritised, resulting in high retention and a workforce that is "extremely proud to work at Penny Acres."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must develop subject leadership across all areas, as oversight is "not as expert as is needed" in some subjects, leading to curriculum inconsistencies.
- The curriculum in some foundation subjects is "less developed than in others," requiring more consistent and secure planning and implementation.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff keeping a "watchful eye" and pupils feeling "included, loved and protected."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 100% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 88% |
| 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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