Palterton Primary School

About Palterton Primary School

Palterton Primary School is a small state primary in Bolsover, Derbyshire, and the numbers suggest it is a popular choice among local families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 47 applications for just 13 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.62. Of those applications, nine were first-preference choices, and eight of those families were offered a place. This level of demand is a strong signal of parent confidence, though it is worth noting that the school does not publish a parent-view survey or recommend percentage in the available data. The school is at full capacity with 91 pupils on roll, matching its official capacity exactly, which reinforces its reputation as a sought-after option in the area. With a headteacher, Rosalind Horsley, leading a Good-rated school, the community appears to value what Palterton offers, even if the precise reasons for its popularity are not spelled out in the data.

Academically, Palterton maintains a consistent Good rating from Ofsted, a grade it has held across both its most recent graded inspection in May 2024 and its previous inspection in June 2013. The 2024 inspection awarded Good across all five categories: overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Early years provision was also rated Good. While the school does not publish its Key Stage 2 SATs results in the data, the local authority average for primary schools in Derbyshire is 59 per cent reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. Without Palterton’s own figure, it is impossible to say whether it outperforms or falls below this benchmark, but the Ofsted report’s consistency suggests solid foundations. The school serves a relatively disadvantaged cohort, with 27.5 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average, yet it still achieves a Good rating, indicating effective support for its pupils.

For families considering Palterton, the practical picture is clear. The school offers a range of facilities including a library, playing fields, an outdoor playground, a gymnasium, a sports hall, music rooms, and a chapel. Sports provision covers rounders, cricket, athletics, gymnastics, and cross country, while clubs include art, gardening, film, drama, science, and choir. The school has identified SEND provisions for moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and other difficulties or disabilities, which suggests it is equipped to support a range of additional needs. There is no nursery provision or sixth form, and the school is not a boarding option. Given its oversubscription, families should be prepared to apply early and list it as a first preference to maximise their chances. Palterton suits families who value a small, full-capacity village primary with strong local demand and a Good Ofsted track record, particularly those living within the catchment area.

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