Rowsley CofE (Controlled) Primary School
Matlock, DE4 2ED · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
85th 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 — 7.3/10 against 1,253 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Rowsley CofE (Controlled) 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%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 60 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in higher-standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about Rowsley CofE (Controlled) Primary School
Overview
This small, friendly primary school is described as a “fantastic learning community full of love and respect.” Pupils enjoy attending, feeling safe and well-known by staff who model strong values of inclusion and care. The report highlights an “Outstanding” level of personal development, where pupils thrive through rich experiences that broaden their horizons and prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Strengths
- Pupils develop strong character and empathy through activities such as discussing world news, learning about different cultures, and supporting charitable projects.
- Staff have high expectations and know individual pupils well, providing effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to access the full curriculum.
- Early years provision is carefully mapped, giving children a “strong start” and preparing them well for their next stage at school.
- The school promotes a “love of reading,” with well-trained staff delivering daily phonics lessons and ensuring books are well-matched to pupils’ abilities.
- Leadership is effective, with governors carrying out their duties well and staff feeling valued, cared for, and proud to work at the school.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, learning opportunities do not fully match the “ambitious intent of the curriculum,” meaning pupils miss chances to develop specific knowledge and skills.
- Assessment data does not always shape subsequent teaching; specifically, knowledge gaps for some pupils with SEND are not addressed before moving on to new learning, which hinders progress.
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 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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