Denby Free CofE VA Primary School

Denby Free CofE VA Primary School at a glance

Located in Ripley, Derbyshire, Denby Free CofE VA Primary School is a primary school, classified by the DfE as a voluntary aided school with a Church of England religious character. The school educates roughly 115 pupils aged 4 to 11. Ofsted judged the school to be 'Requires improvement' at its most recent inspection. 80% of its pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage 2, well above the national average (national figure: 61%). The proportion reaching the expected standard has risen by 18.0 percentage points year on year, though small year groups can make these figures swing sharply from year to year. On our composite score, which combines the DfE attainment measures above, this places it among the top 12% of primary schools in England.

Pupils achieved an average scaled score of 109 in reading and 108 in maths (national averages are about 105 and 104). 15% reached the higher standard across all three subjects (around 8% do so nationally). 90% of the families who made Denby Free CofE VA Primary School their first choice were offered a Reception place for September 2026, even though the school made at least as many offers as it had first choices - the rest withdrew, moved or fell outside a priority group. Overall pupil absence was 5.1%. There are about 18.9 pupils per teacher. Its intake is relatively advantaged, with around 10% of pupils eligible for free school meals in the last six years versus about 24% nationally. If you are considering Denby Free CofE VA Primary School, it may be worth asking how leaders have responded to Ofsted's findings and what has changed since the inspection. This overview is generated automatically from the latest published DfE performance tables and Ofsted data; figures are rounded, and you can check the originals via the official links above.