Whaley Bridge Primary School
High Peak, SK23 7HX · Derbyshire · primary school
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152nd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.8/10 against 3,110 of them, against 3.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Whaley Bridge Primary 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, 13.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access swimming, a breakfast club, and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 142 pupils against a stated capacity of 262. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How has the teaching approach changed since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Whaley Bridge Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders’ ambition for ‘a time for every child to shine’ is evident in daily life. Pupils are ‘considerate of each other’, behave well, and feel safe within a ‘welcoming and inclusive’ environment. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, with effective leadership and a strong focus on personal development.
Strengths
- The new phonics programme is ‘working well’, helping pupils become ‘fluent readers’ who develop ‘a love of reading’.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is ‘a strength of the school’, with high ambitions and successful integration.
- The early years curriculum is ‘meticulously planned’, supporting children’s independence and enthusiasm for learning.
- Staff ‘care about pupils’ and maintain high standards of behaviour, with pupils understanding how to manage their emotions and stay safe.
Areas to improve
- In a ‘small number of subjects’, the curriculum does not identify precise knowledge clearly enough, preventing systematic checks on pupil learning.
- Leaders do not ‘routinely evaluate’ detailed behaviour and attendance records to identify trends or patterns that might require support.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff who are ‘well trained’ and ‘alert to any signs that indicate they might need help or support’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 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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