Penny Acres Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 4 to 11
Ofsted: Good

The Common, Holmesfield, Dronfield, S18 7WPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Penny Acres Primary School is a primary school in Dronfield for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 449 schools in Derbyshire. It ranks 9th of 245 primary schools in Derbyshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 21 January 2014, report published 11 February 2014

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 July 2023

Pupils express great pride in their school. They said, 'We are very lucky to attend Penny Acres; we are well educated, included and kept safe.' Teachers have high expectations. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They show each other great care and respect. Their positive attitudes contribute significantly to their learning. Older pupils are excellent role models to younger children. Pupils experience a high-quality personal, health and social education curriculum. They receive effective guidance. They know how to keep themselves healthy and safe. Pupils understand what bullying is. They know the different ways in which individuals may be bullied, including when online. They do not believe that bullying is an issue at the school. They express great trust in their teachers to resolve any problems or concerns. Pupils learn the importance of community. They get involved in many activities, including the recent Well Dressing event. This helps them to appreciate the importance of local heritage. They understand the value of seeing beyond themselves and working together. Pupils describe their school and community as a large family.

What the school should improve

  • Where subject leadership is strong, the curriculum is expertly planned, implemented and monitored. This ensures the appropriate impact for pupils. However, in some subjects, the oversight is not as expert as is needed. This can lead to curriculum inconsistencies. Leaders should continue the work to develop subject leadership. They should ensure that all subject leaders have the expertise required so that all elements of the curriculum are consistently and securely planned and implemented.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

8 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths88%

88%, 26 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths38%

38%, 30 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score112

112, 6 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score109

109, 4 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score112

112, 7 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

59 pupils on roll, with places for 50

Eligible for free school meals11.9%

11.9%, 14.6 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language0%

0%, 21.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support6.8%

6.8%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.4%

3.4%, 2.6 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Penny Acres Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
William Levick Primary School1 mileOfsted: Good81% met the expected standard
St Andrew's CofE Methodist (Aided) Primary School1 mileOfsted: Good76% met the expected standard
Totley Primary School1 mileOfsted judgements: Outstanding92% met the expected standard
Gorseybrigg Primary School and Nursery1 mileOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
Totley All Saints Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School2 milesReport card: Strong standard81% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mr David Ratcliffe(Executive)
Address
The Common, Holmesfield, Dronfield, S18 7WP
Local authority
Derbyshire
URN
112565

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.