St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy
High Peak, SK22 3BL · Derbyshire · primary school
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96th 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 — 6.2/10 against 2,880 of them, against 5.6/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
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, 70.0% 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 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 121 pupils against a stated capacity of 119. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths? How does the curriculum build on the strengths identified in the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is described as a “small, calm and productive school” where pupils feel “safe and happy.” The inspection confirms that the school continues to be good, with leaders maintaining high expectations and fostering a “welcoming, nurturing, family environment.”
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “very positive attitudes towards learning,” are polite, and show respect for one another through the school’s “gospel values.”
- Leaders have developed a “very ambitious curriculum” with well-structured information, supported by “rocket recaps” to aid knowledge recall.
- There is a “very strong focus on pupils’ broader development,” including initiatives like ‘little fish’ that give pupils a voice in school life.
- Reading is prioritised with “creative ways” to introduce texts, and early years children benefit from “high-quality, daily phonics lessons.”
- Staff are well-trained in safeguarding, and leaders act on concerns in a “timely manner” with effective procedures in place.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers consistently identify the “most important knowledge” pupils should learn from topics, as key information can sometimes be lost amidst cross-curricular connections.
- Teachers need to use formal assessment outcomes more effectively to plan future learning and provide “precise targets” for pupils, including those with special educational needs.
- Governors require a “sharp enough view” on statutory responsibilities, particularly regarding the Equality Act 2010 and the ‘Prevent’ duty.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with leaders knowledgeable about pupils’ circumstances and staff well-trained to recognise welfare concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 82% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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