Cutthorpe Primary School

About Cutthorpe Primary School

Cutthorpe Primary School is a small state primary in North East Derbyshire, with 106 pupils on roll against a capacity of 120, meaning it is not yet full. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is just 3.8%, well below the national average, suggesting a relatively affluent intake. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 39 applications for 15 places, with 22 of those as first preferences. That gives an oversubscription ratio of 2.6, meaning nearly three children applied for every spot. With a nursery provision attached, families can join from age three, and the school is mixed, non-religious, and run by Derbyshire local authority. The headteacher is James Dowse, who has been in post since at least the most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022.

Academically, Cutthorpe’s Key Stage 2 results for 2023/24 show a mixed picture. The proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined was 50%, which is below the Derbyshire local authority average of 59%. In individual subjects, 83% met the expected standard in maths, 58% in reading and 58% in writing. At the higher standard, 33% achieved it in reading, 25% in maths, and just 8% in writing. Average scaled scores were 105 in maths and 104 in reading. The school’s ranking within North East Derbyshire places it 25th out of 35 schools on the KS2 reading, writing and maths expected measure, putting it in the bottom half locally. Nationally, it sits in the bottom 50% of all primary schools. Ofsted rated the school Good overall in its November 2022 inspection, with behaviour and attitudes judged Outstanding — the only Outstanding grade across any category.

The school offers a range of facilities including a library, playing fields, a dining hall, art studios and a chapel. Sports provision covers cross country, swimming, rounders, cricket and athletics, while extracurricular clubs include drama, film club, choir, chess, gardening and eco club. For pupils with additional needs, the school has identified support for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, and speech, language and communication needs. Given its small size and strong local demand, Cutthorpe is likely to suit families who prioritise a close-knit, community feel and who live within the catchment area. The oversubscription means applicants without a strong local connection may find it harder to secure a place, particularly for in-year admissions.

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