Carcroft Primary School

About Carcroft Primary School

Carcroft Primary School in Doncaster is a state primary for mixed pupils aged 3 to 11, and its intake tells a clear story about the community it serves. The school has capacity for 420 children but currently enrols just 251, meaning it is running at around 60 per cent full. That spare capacity is notable because the school is actually oversubscribed for Reception places in the 2025/26 academic year: 40 families applied for 26 places, with 23 of those coming as first preferences, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.54. So while the overall roll is low, demand for entry at the youngest age is strong. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 54.2 per cent, which is significantly above the national average and suggests a high level of socio-economic disadvantage in the local area. The school has no religious character and is led by headteacher Kirsty Atherton, who took over at some point before the most recent inspection.

Academically, Carcroft’s results are mixed and sit below the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 45 per cent of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Doncaster average of 61 per cent. That places the school 74th out of 87 primary schools in the local authority, and in the bottom 50 per cent nationally. Individual subject scores are more encouraging: average scaled scores were 101 in maths and 102 in reading, both close to the national benchmark of 100. However, the proportion reaching the higher standard is very low — just 6 per cent in maths and reading, and 3 per cent in writing. Ofsted visited in May 2024 and upgraded the school from Requires Improvement to Good across all categories, including behaviour, personal development, leadership and early years provision. The previous inspection in December 2018 had rated it Requires Improvement overall, so this represents a clear step forward in quality.

The school offers a decent range of facilities for its size, including a sensory room, gymnasium, art studios, music rooms, an ICT suite, sports hall, playing fields and even a chapel. Sports provision covers football, swimming, rounders and gymnastics, while clubs include art, chess and eco club. There is nursery provision on site for children from age three. SEND support is broad, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social and emotional mental health needs, speech and language difficulties, physical disability and autistic spectrum disorder. With a Good Ofsted rating, a clear improvement trajectory and strong local demand for Reception places, Carcroft is a solid option for families in the Doncaster area, particularly those who value a school that is actively working to raise attainment in a disadvantaged context. The spare capacity in older year groups may also appeal to families moving into the area mid-phase.

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