Best Primary Schools in Derby 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 74 schools across Derby. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Derby has 74 primary schools, of which 7 (9%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 56 rated Good — 85% of primary schools in Derby are rated Good or Outstanding overall. Castleward Spencer Academy currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in Derby follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

74
Total schools
7
Outstanding
9%
Outstanding rate
57.6%
Avg KS2 SATs
39.4
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 Castleward Spencer Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 95 View school
🥈 Lawn Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 90 View school
🥉 Griffe Field Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 89 View school
4. St George's Catholic Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 85 View school
5. Parkview Primary School
Primary
 Good 81 View school
6. Pear Tree Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
7. Rosehill Infant and Nursery School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
8. Portway Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
9. Alvaston Infant and Nursery School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
10. Shelton Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
11. Cavendish Close Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
12. Ridgeway Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
13. Oakwood Infant and Nursery School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
14. St James' Church of England Aided Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
15. Derby St Chad's CofE Nursery and Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
16. Carlyle Infant and Nursery Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
17. Gayton Junior School
Primary
 Good 79 View school
18. Redwood Primary School
Primary
 Good 79 View school
19. Hackwood Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 79 View school
20. Homefields Primary School
Primary
 Good 78 View school

Related lists for Derby

All schools in DerbyPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in DerbyYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Derby7 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Derby

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Derby?
There are 74 primary schools in Derby, of which 7 (9%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
What are the best schools in Derby?
Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Derby is Castleward Spencer Academy. See the full ranked list above.
How do I apply for a school place in Derby?
Primary and secondary school applications in Derby are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Derby council website for application forms and deadlines.
What is the average Ofsted rating in Derby?
9% of primary schools in Derby are rated Outstanding and 76% are rated Good. 66.1% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.