Sale and Davys Church of England Primary School

About Sale and Davys Church of England Primary School

Sale and Davys Church of England Primary School is a small village primary in South Derbyshire, with 94 pupils on roll against a capacity of 105, so it's not quite full but clearly in demand. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 30 applications for just 14 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.14, and all 13 first-preference applicants were offered a spot. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 16%, which is worth noting against the national primary average of around 23% – the school draws from a relatively less deprived catchment. It's a Church of England school, reflecting the local character of the area, and is led by headteacher Sarah Briggs. The school's size means class groups are small, and with a total of 48 parents responding to the most recent Parent View survey, engagement appears strong. Every single respondent said they would recommend the school to other parents, and 85% strongly agreed their child is happy here.

Academically, Sale and Davys is a standout performer in its local authority. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 88% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined – well above the Derbyshire LA average of 59%. The school ranks 1st out of 30 primary schools in South Derbyshire on this measure, and sits in the top 5% nationally. Reading scores were particularly strong, with a 94% expected rate and 65% of pupils achieving the higher standard; the average reading scaled score was 110. In maths, 88% reached the expected level and 41% hit the higher standard, with an average score of 106. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, in March 2025, judged it Good overall, with personal development rated Outstanding. Behaviour and attitudes, quality of education, and leadership and management all received Good grades, while early years provision was also rated Good. This represents a shift from the school's previous Outstanding rating in 2008, but the current judgement reflects a thorough and recent assessment.

The school offers a solid range of facilities for its size, including a sports hall, playing fields, a forest school area, a chapel, music rooms, and an ICT suite. Clubs cover drama, art, science, gardening, film and book club, while sports include athletics, cricket, football, rounders, swimming, tennis and gymnastics. SEND provision is clearly a strength: 21% of pupils are identified as having special educational needs, and the school lists support for specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia), moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. In the Parent View survey, 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need. This is a school that suits families looking for a small, community-focused primary with strong academic outcomes and a clear Church of England character, though its oversubscription means early application is wise.

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