As 2026 begins, we have created a ranking of best and worst performing Derbyshire primary schools, based on the latest Department of Education data.
The data includes Key Stage 2 performance data, based on pupils’ SAT results in the 2024/25 school year.
We have ranked the schools based on the proportion of students meeting the ‘expected standard’ in the 2024/25 school year.
Pupils meet the expected standard if they achieve a scaled score of 100 or more in their reading and maths Key Stage 2 SATs exams, and their teacher assesses them as 'working at the expected standard' or better in writing.
On average, 59% of pupils met the expected standard across Derbyshire in 2025 and and 62% nationally.
This league table includes these Derbyshire primary schools, which saw at least 80% of their Key Stage 2 pupils meet the expected standard in 2025 and have been rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding by Ofsted.
From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools – however inspectors still provide rating for each of key categories inspected including: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision as well as leadership and management.
The ranking includes schools with 10 best and worst expected standard results in 2025.
Schools which had less than 10 pupils at the end of Key Stage 2 are not included in the ranking. This is because schools with fewer than 10 pupils in Y6 are not required to publish their SAT results.
The league table does not include schools located in Derby.
13. Dunston Primary and Nursery Academy
Dunston Primary and Nursery Academy at Dunston Lane in Newbold saw 31% of pupils meet expected standards for reading, writing and maths in 2025 as well. 9% achieved a higher standard. Pupils achieved an average score of 100 in reading and 101 in maths. The school had 35 pupils at the end of key stage 2. Ofsted inspectors visited Dunston Primary and Nursery Academy at Dunston Lane in Newbold in March 2025, with an inspection report published on May 6. In the report Ofsted made the following key judgements: , quality of education - 'requires improvement', early years provision, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management - 'good'. The school was previously rated as 'requires improvement' in an Ofsted report published in September 2022. Photo: Google
14. Whaley Bridge Primary School
Whaley Bridge Primary School in High Peak also saw 31% of pupils meet expected standards for reading, writing and maths in 2025, while 13% achieved a higher standard. Pupils achieved an average score of 105 both in reading and in maths. The school had 16 pupils at the end of key stage 2 in 2025 and was rated 'good' by Ofsted in September 2022. Photo: Google
15. Barrow Hill Primary Academy
30% of pupils at Barrow Hill Primary Academy at Station Road in Barrow Hill met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2025. This the ninth worst score in Derbyshire. None of the pupils achieved a higher standard. The primary had 10 pupils at the end of key stage 2. The school was rated as 'requires improvement' in 2022. A monitoring inspection in February 2024 found that 'leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the school to become good.' The primary was recently converted to an academy and has not been inspected by Ofsted since. Photo: Google
16. New Bolsover Primary and Nursery School
New Bolsover Primary and Nursery School saw 26% of pupils meet the the government’s expected standard in reading, writing and maths, while none achieved a higher standard. This is the eighth worst result in the county. Pupils achieved an average score of 99 in reading and 100 in maths The school, located at New Station Road in Bolsover, had 34 key stage 2 pupils on the roll. The primary was visited by Ofsted in May 2024 and inspectors 'rated' the school as 'good' across all areas inspected. Photo: Google