Cranborne Primary School

About Cranborne Primary School

Cranborne Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families, with 180 applications for just 60 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3 to 1. Of those 180 applications, 80 were first-preference choices, and the school was able to offer places to 54 of those families. This level of demand suggests a strong reputation in the Hertsmere area. The school is a state primary for mixed genders aged 3 to 11, with a nursery provision on site, and is led by headteacher Claire Keilty. It is not a faith school, with its religious character listed as 'does not apply'. While the school does not publish a parent view survey percentage, the high number of first-preference applications is a practical signal of parental confidence.

Academically, Cranborne Primary performs very strongly. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is well above the local authority average of 64%. This performance places the school 1st out of 29 primary schools in the Hertsmere local authority, and in the top 5% nationally. In individual subjects, 97% reached the expected standard in reading, 95% in writing and 93% in maths. At the higher standard, 28% of pupils achieved the higher benchmark across all three subjects, with 50% reaching that level in reading. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated it Good overall, with leadership and management judged Outstanding. Its previous inspection in 2011 had rated it Requires Improvement, so the improvement trajectory is clear.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a library, playing fields, sports hall, forest school, sensory room, art studios and a chapel. Sports on offer include gymnastics, cricket, netball, athletics and dance, while clubs range from eco club and drama to choir and chess. SEND provision is well developed, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech and language needs, visual impairment, physical disability, autistic spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health support. With 9.2% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a relatively mixed intake. Cranborne is oversubscribed, so families will need to apply early and likely list it as a first preference. It is best suited to families who prioritise strong academic outcomes within a supportive, well-led primary environment.

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