Tansley Primary School, Matlock

Ofsted's report card from its 14 July 2026 inspection grades Tansley Primary School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard, 4 expected standard and 2 needs attention. 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 attending school and this is reflected in attendance that is above national averages."

Early years - Expected standard. "The early years provision has recently expanded and leaders have added provision for 2-year-olds."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders are committed to promoting an inclusive culture at the school, where barriers to wellbeing, participation and learning are effectively addressed."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders understand the school's context, strengths and areas for development."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "The school provides a well-considered programme to support pupils' personal development."

Achievement - Needs attention. "The achievement of pupils at the end of key stage 2 in reading, writing and mathematics has been below national averages over time."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "Leaders have an accurate understanding of the quality of the curriculum and teaching across the school."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that teachers design activities which are closely matched to pupils' needs and stages of learning, so that they make intended progress in line with the planned curriculum"; "Leaders should ensure that staff use assessment in lessons effectively to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and adapt teaching to meet the needs of all pupils"; "Leaders should ensure that curriculum planning and teaching consistently builds pupils' foundational skills, enabling them to apply their knowledge confidently and achieve outcomes at least in line with national averages by the end of key stage 2".

In 2025, 31% of Year 6 pupils at Tansley Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 62% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 73% in Derbyshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 78% in reading and 44% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 10 families put Tansley Primary School as their first choice and 41 named it as one of their preferences, for 10 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 Tansley Primary School are St Joseph's Catholic Voluntary Academy (1.2 miles, Good, 68% reading, 74% maths); Castle View Primary School (1.2 miles, Requires improvement, 53% reading, 47% maths); St Giles Church of England Primary and Nursery School (1.5 miles, Good, 80% reading, 80% maths); and Lea Primary School (1.7 miles, Outstanding, 84% reading, 89% maths).

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

5.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 11 pupils (19%) received SEN support and 1 (1.7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Matlock Rail Station, about 1.7 miles away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Goldhill (adjacent), 120 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 20 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 Derbyshire (50).

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