Ash Croft Primary Academy, Derby

In its own words: "We wish to create a culture of learning, where children are happy, enthusiastic, motivated and ambitious.We encourage mutual respect, support and collaboration between all adults and children, both within the academy and the wider community."

From the headteacher's welcome: "In the Early Years Foundation Unit (EYFS) at Ash Croft Primary Academy we offer a curriculum rich in awe and wonder. We want children to be happy confident, well rounded individuals with a love for learning. We believe in providing all children with a safe and stimulating environment that provides exciting opportunities, promotes independence, challenge, exploration, and adventure!"

In 2025, 56% of Year 6 pupils at Ash Croft Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 63% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 72% and 70% in Derby and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (65% in reading, 50% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 13 families put Ash Croft Primary Academy as their first choice and 31 named it as one of their preferences, for 13 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 Ash Croft Primary Academy are Stenson Fields Primary Community School (0.4 miles, Good, 61% reading, 55% maths); Redwood Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 85% reading, 93% maths); Grampian Primary Academy (0.7 miles, Good, 80% reading, 70% maths); and Cottons Farm Primary Academy (0.9 miles, Requires improvement, 63% reading, 53% maths).

Ash Croft Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

Ash Croft Primary Academy is one of 17 schools run by The Harmony Trust Ltd, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 52% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

38.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 61.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are Asian (33%), White British (28%) and Mixed (12%).

Ash Croft Primary Academy has a resourced provision for speech, language and communication needs and autism: 16 places, 7 pupils on roll.

Ash Croft Primary Academy had 14 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Peartree Rail Station, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Osprey Close (adjacent), 60 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 161 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Derby (267).

In 2024/25, Ash Croft Primary Academy issued 4 suspensions, 1.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.