Griffe Field Primary School Review 2026: Elite KS2 outcomes, ambitious curriculum, and a nursery-to-Year 6 journey

A modern Derby primary with a distinctive sense of identity, right down to its name. The school opened in September 1999 and sits on a site referenced on a local 1848 tithe map, with a badge designed around two historic meanings of “griffe”, a book and a deep valley.

Academically, the picture is unusually strong. In 2024, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the England average of 62%. It ranks 262nd in England and 2nd in Derby for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it among the highest performing schools in England (top 2%).

Leadership sits with Mrs Emma Mitchell (headteacher), and the school is part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust.

There is a purposeful feel to how pupils are expected to speak, think, and act. The school is explicit about building character early, and this is not treated as an add-on. External reviews describe pupils who talk confidently about improving their school, show pride in supporting one another, and use grown-up language when debating teamwork and decision-making.

Reading culture is a clear part of the identity. A “reading buddies” approach is highlighted as more than a literacy strategy, it is also framed as relationship-building between older and younger pupils. The library is positioned as a source of pride, with books visible around school and used to open up themes such as inclusion and diversity.

The physical set-up supports a whole-school community feel. The accommodation expanded in 2004 to include a nursery and fourteen main school classrooms, plus a hall, library and specialist rooms, then added a separate Family Room in 2009 to strengthen community links and extended provision. The site also includes its own playing field, multiple outdoor play areas, and a dedicated nursery garden.

The school’s KS2 outcomes are exceptional by England standards. In 2024, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to 62% across England. At the higher standard, 45% reached greater depth in reading, writing and maths, compared to the England average of 8%, suggesting strength not only at the pass threshold but at the top end too.

Scaled scores reinforce that this is not a narrow spike. Reading averaged 110 and maths 109, with grammar, punctuation and spelling at 113, all comfortably above typical national benchmarks for scaled scoring.

Rankings back up the headline figures. Ranked 262nd in England and 2nd in Derby for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), performance sits among the highest performing schools in England (top 2%).

Parents comparing Derby primaries often find it helpful to use the FindMySchool Local Hub and Comparison Tool to view these results alongside nearby options, rather than relying on reputation alone.

Curriculum ambition is a defining feature. The most recent inspection describes a highly detailed curriculum plan across subjects and year groups, supported by strong teacher subject knowledge and lessons that deliberately connect new learning to what pupils already know.

Reading is treated as a core engine of the wider curriculum. Phonics is described as systematic and carefully taught, and the approach does not tail off after early reading. Instead, reading is positioned as the route into richer knowledge, vocabulary development, and challenging topics, including inclusion and diversity.

The early years offer is substantial rather than simply “childcare plus phonics later”. Nursery and Reception sit within a detailed Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, with adults using structured interactions to develop independence, collaboration, and problem-solving.

As a primary, the main transition point is Year 6 into local secondary education. The school describes working with “partner secondary schools” to support continuity, although it does not publish a standardised destination list with named schools.

For families, the practical implication is that choosing a primary here is best paired with an early look at Derby City’s secondary options and admissions rules, because the primary experience can be excellent while secondary pathways still depend on where you live and the criteria used by each secondary school.

Reception entry is run through Derby City’s co-ordinated admissions process. For September 2026 entry, applications were treated as “on time” if received between 04 November 2025 and 15 January 2026, with offers issued on National Offer Day, 16 April 2026 (or the next working day).

Demand is high. In the latest published admissions data, there were 182 applications for 60 offers, a ratio of 3.03 applications per place, and the route is described as oversubscribed.

Distance can matter. In 2025, the furthest distance offered for Reception was 0.517 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Nursery admissions are separate and do not operate as a back door into Reception. Applications can be made in writing after a child turns two, and the Governor’s Admissions Committee meets at least three times per year to allocate places for the following term. A nursery place does not guarantee a main school place, so Reception must be applied for separately through the normal route.

Families who want to sanity-check their chances should use the FindMySchool Map Search to measure their home-to-gate distance, then compare it against the most recent distance offered and the published admissions rules.

Safeguarding is treated as a core operational standard, with clear named safeguarding roles including a designated safeguarding lead and deputy leads, plus a family support worker role listed within the safeguarding team structure.

The school frames inclusion as practical action rather than policy language. External review describes swift support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with teachers positioned as skilled in removing barriers to learning.

The latest Ofsted inspection confirmed safeguarding arrangements as effective.

Character development is made tangible through structured experiences rather than generic “enrichment”. The inspection report highlights an approach branded through “5 by 5”, “7 by 7”, and “11 by 11”, which includes opportunities such as learning instruments, charity work, and traditional games like conkers. The school council is also described as active in gathering pupil views and setting priorities.

Clubs are framed as routes to curiosity and confidence. Two examples called out explicitly are the aerodynamics STEM club and an engineering club, both positioned as ways for pupils to develop creativity and courage, not just technical knowledge.

Sport and physical activity appear to be treated as “for everyone”, with documentation describing funded places for clubs and holiday provision for eligible pupils, plus a programme of after-school sports activities such as netball and tri-golf (with other sports listed across planning documents).

Community life matters too. The Friends of Griffe Field (FOG) is presented as a parent group that runs events and raises funds to extend resources, which can be a quiet but meaningful contributor to the overall experience for families who want to get involved.

The school day is clearly set out by phase. Reception runs 8.45am to 3.10pm, Key Stage 1 runs 8.50am to 3.15pm, and Key Stage 2 runs 8.50am to 3.20pm. Nursery runs 9.00am to 3.00pm.

A before-school club is referenced as being managed by the school, and the staffing structure lists breakfast club management. However, specific timings, booking arrangements, and charges are not set out clearly on the school’s published pages, so families should confirm details directly before relying on wraparound care for work patterns.

Travel planning is explicitly encouraged. The school describes itself as a neighbourhood school, promotes walking, and references cycle training and on-site bicycle parking for pupils whose families sign a safe practice agreement.

• Distance pressure for Reception. In 2025, the furthest distance offered was 0.517 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

• High ambition can feel intense for some children. The curriculum is described as exceptionally ambitious with very high expectations; that suits many pupils brilliantly, but children who need a slower pace may benefit from careful transition planning.

• Nursery does not secure a Reception place. Nursery allocation is separate, and families still need to apply through the normal Reception route, which matters in an oversubscribed context.

• Wraparound specifics need checking. Breakfast club provision exists, but published detail on hours and costs is limited, so confirm early if you need reliable childcare beyond the core day.

This is a high-performing Derby primary with an unusually consistent academic profile and a clear emphasis on character, vocabulary, and reading. The best fit is for families who want ambitious learning from nursery through Year 6, and who are realistic about the admissions pressure for Reception. Securing entry is where the difficulty lies; for pupils who gain a place, the day-to-day experience is shaped by high expectations, strong relationships, and structured enrichment.