Spire Junior School
Chesterfield, S40 2EN · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
196th 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 — 2.7/10 against 615 of them, against 1.9/10 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 | 31.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.13 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Spire Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 6.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming, the Art Parade, and The Lion King, with trips to St. Marys church. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 154 pupils against a stated capacity of 204. 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 bridge the gap between the current 31.0% attainment rate and the national median? What specific strategies are in place to improve results since the 2022 inspection? How does the after-school club integrate with the curriculum for pupils who attend?
What Ofsted said about Spire Junior School
Overview
Spire Junior School is described as having a “family atmosphere” where pupils “enjoy their learning” and staff maintain “very high expectations.” The report highlights a “strong culture of reading” and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), noting that they “achieve well.”
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes towards their work” and understand the school’s rules of being “ready, respectful, safe.”
- There is a “consistent approach to the teaching of phonics,” with staff providing extra sessions for those falling behind.
- The mathematics curriculum allows pupils to build understanding securely, using precise vocabulary and equipment.
- Leaders are “quick to identify pupils with SEND” and ensure they “access the full curriculum.”
- Parents and carers are “overwhelmingly positive,” appreciating that staff “always put the children first.”
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is “not yet sufficiently well planned and sequenced in some subjects,” requiring leaders to complete reviews to clarify key knowledge.
- Assessment approaches are “inconsistent in some subjects,” failing to identify gaps in learning where curriculum thinking is less clear.
- There is “some inconsistency in some pupils’ knowledge of British values,” with some struggling to explain democracy or confusing different faiths.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting a “very strong culture of care” where staff know how to spot at-risk pupils and pass on concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 31% |
| 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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