Pilsley CofE Primary School
Bakewell, DE45 1UF · Derbyshire · primary school
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36th 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 — 8.0/10 against 4,242 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 41% | 3.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.77 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.67 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pilsley CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022. 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 (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in a school choir, learn violin, piano, or guitar, and take part in music and drama productions. They also attend a pantomime trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 64 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. 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 the daily timetable look like for music lessons? How does the school plan to maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Pilsley CofE Primary School
Overview
Pilsley Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a calm and welcoming environment where pupils are happy and safe. The report highlights that adults make learning fun and maintain high expectations for behaviour, while parents feel the school nurtures pupils and ‘brings out the best in them’.
Strengths
- The revised curriculum is ambitious, helping pupils ‘make links across different subjects’ through repeated key ideas, particularly in history.
- Leaders prioritise reading, ensuring staff expertise in early reading programmes and fostering a love of reading by selecting books that match pupils’ interests.
- Mathematics is well organised, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge and explain how they use subject knowledge to solve problems.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well, encouraged to participate in all aspects of school life, and helped to ‘know more, and remember more’.
- Staff workload is managed mindfully, and governors are knowledgeable about all aspects of school life, ensuring pupils get a good start.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, key knowledge is not yet broken down sufficiently, creating potential for pupils to miss important learning without leaders knowing. Leaders should assure themselves that the curriculum identifies and breaks down this knowledge to prevent gaps in understanding.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff quickly identifying signs that pupils may need help and working with external agencies to ensure safety.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 92% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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