Pottery Primary School
Belper, DE56 1HA · Derbyshire · primary school
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255th 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 — 0.8/10 against 2,770 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 23.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.05 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pottery Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 23.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in January 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 285 pupils against a stated capacity of 318. 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 plan to improve attainment in the coming year following the January 2024 inspection? What specific support is available for pupils who are not yet meeting expected standards in maths? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll of 285?
What Ofsted said about Pottery Primary School
Overview
Pottery Primary School is described as a “welcoming place” where pupils are happy and feel safe. The report highlights a “positive ethos” and strong relationships with parents, alongside good behaviour and personal development. However, the overall effectiveness and quality of education require improvement due to inconsistencies in curriculum implementation and teaching strategies.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy a “broad and balanced curriculum” with opportunities for clubs, visits, and outdoor learning such as ‘Wet Welly Wednesdays’.
- Behaviour is “Good”, with clear routines, rare bullying, and initiatives like the ‘kindness cafe’ promoting friendship.
- Early years provision is “Good”, with children settling quickly and enjoying learning mathematics through rhyme and song.
- The school is inclusive, featuring a ‘nurture nest’ for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and promoting tolerance.
- Reading is a priority, with staff ensuring books match pupils’ known sounds to build confidence and fluency.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must use “the most appropriate activities and resources” to impart knowledge effectively and check pupil retention, particularly in foundation subjects.
- Targets for pupils with SEND need to be “more precisely broken down” so teachers can adapt lessons to help them achieve consistently well.
- Leaders must establish “more robust quality assurance of the curriculum” to monitor the impact of recent changes and ensure consistent implementation.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 26% |
| 2024/25 | 23% |
| 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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