Pilsley Primary School
Chesterfield, S45 8EU · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd 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 — 9.6/10 against 2,024 of them, against 8.9/10 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.82 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pilsley Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Tennis Club and participate in football, tag rugby, table tennis, netball, hockey, cricket, athletics, and taekwondo martial arts. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 213 pupils against a stated capacity of 206. 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 is the after-school club structured for children needing wraparound care?
What Ofsted said about Pilsley Primary School
Overview
Pilsley Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy, polite, and behave exceptionally well. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that helps pupils build knowledge progressively, supported by a strong focus on reading and effective provision for those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils "flourish because they understand and meet the high expectations set by staff" and feel safe within a "family atmosphere full of kindness."
- Leaders have created an "ambitious and well-planned curriculum" with careful sequencing, such as in science, ensuring pupils "build their knowledge and skills progressively."
- Reading is a clear priority; "daily phonics sessions are highly structured," and teachers ensure books are matched to pupils’ learning, with extra support for those falling behind.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly and access the full curriculum, with staff adapting teaching effectively to meet their needs.
- Children in the early years make a "positive start," demonstrating well-developed social skills and readiness for their next phase of learning.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, teachers do not always plan activities that match the curriculum’s ambition, causing pupils to make "slower progress."
- Pupils lack a secure understanding of British values, particularly democracy, and are not "fully prepared for life in modern Britain."
- Some pupils are absent too often, although leaders have improved attendance systems which are "beginning to have an impact."
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 | 82% |
| 2023/24 | 81% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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