St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy
Derby, DE22 1AU · Derby · primary school
Check the area around this school
12th of 59 primary schools in Derby we can score, 74 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 — 7.5/10 against 2,959 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 15.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 394 pupils against a stated capacity of 357. 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
With the last inspection in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is a school where leaders have “expertly managed” the institution through significant challenges, including a devastating fire. The report highlights that pupils demonstrate “exemplary” behaviour and are keen to “make a difference” within their community. Despite disruptions, the school provides a high-quality education with a “well planned” curriculum that supports strong pupil progress.
Strengths
- Pupils’ “behaviour and conduct are exemplary,” allowing them to learn without distraction in a safe environment where bullying is rare.
- The curriculum is “well planned” with a focus on key knowledge, helping pupils develop a “rich vocabulary” and confidently understand new concepts.
- Reading is a clear priority, supported by a “well-planned and sequenced phonics programme” and expert additional support for those needing help.
- Early years provision is outstanding, with children receiving an “ambitious curriculum” and being “very well prepared for Year 1.”
- Staff work as a “strong team” and are “rightly proud of their achievements,” fostering a supportive culture for both staff and pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is “implemented securely and consistently” across all subjects, as expert planning is not yet suitably adapted to meet the needs of all pupils in a few areas.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff who are “well trained,” “vigilant,” and who “tenaciously ensure that pupils are safe.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DE22 1AU, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT