St John's CofE Primary School and Nursery
Belper, DE56 1GY · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
132nd 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 the 3,864 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4/10 among them, against 4.0/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John's CofE Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 9.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4 out of 10 among them, against 4.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access a breakfast club and an after-school club. Activities include swimming, sports days, house matches, mini-leaders, art and craft, and a books club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 398 pupils against a stated capacity of 490. 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 below the national median in core subjects? What specific support is available for children joining the nursery phase?
What Ofsted said about St John's CofE Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Pupils are described as happy and safe within a "caring school" where positive relationships with staff are strong. Leaders maintain high expectations from the Nursery upwards, fostering a calm environment where pupils behave well and enjoy their learning. The school’s Christian ethos is woven throughout daily life, supporting pupils’ personal development and sense of community.
Strengths
- Leaders have developed a "strong curriculum" with clear knowledge steps, allowing many pupils to confidently recall learning in subjects like geography and physical education.
- Mathematics teaching is "well planned," with regular opportunities for pupils to recap knowledge and build understanding gradually.
- Staff accurately identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and adapt teaching to ensure they access the curriculum.
- Pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to their work," are well-mannered, and take pride in leadership roles such as being school councillors.
- Governors and leaders share an "ambitious vision," with staff feeling valued and supported by effective management.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should further embed the new phonics curriculum to address inconsistencies in teaching, ensuring more pupils become fluent readers quickly.
- Leaders should ensure pupils have a deeper knowledge and understanding of British values and different world faiths and beliefs, as some current knowledge is "fragile."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "very strong culture" where staff have a secure understanding of reporting concerns and record-keeping is comprehensive.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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