Ambergate Primary School, Belper

Ofsted's report card from its 9 June 2026 inspection grades Ambergate Primary School on 7 areas: 4 strong standard and 3 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Pupils enjoy coming to school and speak positively about their experiences."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Inclusion is a strength of the school."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders, including those responsible for governance, have a secure understanding of the school's context and the needs of its pupils."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have designed a well-considered personal development programme that reflects the school's context and the needs of its pupils."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils develop their knowledge and skills steadily as they move through the school."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "The school's curriculum reflects leaders' clear understanding of the needs of the pupils and the context of mixed-age classes."

Early years - Expected standard. "The early years provision provides a positive and secure start to children's education."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that all staff model foundation skills consistently and accurately, so that pupils learn, practise and apply these skills effectively".

From the headteacher's welcome: "Ambergate Primary School is a place of discovery. Our aim is for all children to achieve in all they do, believe in their talents and help create a learning community for all."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include orchestra, STEM and art.

The school runs after-school care until 5:30pm.

Coming up: an open day on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 9.30am, an open evening on Tuesday 3 November 2026, an open day on Monday 16 November 2026 at 9.30am and an open evening on Monday 16 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 73% of Year 6 pupils at Ambergate Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 45% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 73% in Derbyshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 77% in reading and 69% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 16 families put Ambergate Primary School as their first choice and 27 named it as one of their preferences, for 16 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ambergate Primary School are Fritchley CofE (Aided) Primary & Nursery School (1.1 miles, Good, 80% reading, 70% maths); Heage Primary School (1.2 miles); Crich Junior School (1.8 miles, Outstanding, 80% reading, 75% maths); and St Elizabeth's Catholic Voluntary Academy (1.8 miles, Outstanding, 90% reading, 90% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Ambergate Primary School.

8.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The nearest railway station is Ambergate Rail Station, about 340 metres away (roughly a 4-minute walk).

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Annes Church (adjacent), 190 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 9 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Derbyshire (50).

Ambergate Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.