Whaley Thorns Primary School
Mansfield, NG20 9HB · Derbyshire · primary school
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251st 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 — 1.2/10 against 935 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 62% | 0.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Whaley Thorns Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, 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 (1.2 out of 10 either way).
Getting in
The published school roll is 118 pupils against a stated capacity of 170. 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 does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6? How does the school monitor progress for pupils who have not reached the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Whaley Thorns Primary School
Overview
The inspection found that the quality of education at Whaley Thorns Primary School ‘Requires improvement’, primarily because teaching is inconsistent and pupils do not always have ‘secure knowledge’ of subjects. However, the school received ‘Good’ judgements for behaviour, personal development, leadership, and early years provision, with pupils generally feeling safe and valued.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate strong values through the ‘kindness curriculum’, showing respect for others and understanding that ‘everyone is different, everyone is special’.
- The early years provision is ‘Good’, with a curriculum tailored to individual needs that prepares children well for key stage 1.
- Reading is prioritised effectively, ensuring that by the time pupils leave, they are ‘accurate and fluent readers’, with focused support helping those who need it.
- Leaders and the trust provide ‘high-quality training’ and support for staff, while governance helps identify areas for improvement accurately.
- Pupils enjoy a range of clubs and educational visits, developing resilience and leadership skills through roles such as ‘attendance ambassadors’.
Areas to improve
- Teaching must be ‘consistently focused on the most important knowledge’ to ensure pupils understand how tasks link to learning objectives.
- Teachers need to check pupils’ understanding routinely to identify and resolve ‘gaps and misconceptions’ in their knowledge.
- The school should ensure pupils maintain positive attitudes and are ‘committed fully to their learning’ to avoid losing focus and missing opportunities.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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