St Mary's Catholic Primary

About St Mary's Catholic Primary

St Mary's Catholic Primary in Chesterfield is a school that local families clearly want to get into. With 419 pupils on roll against a capacity of 420, it is effectively full, and the 2025/26 admissions data tells a story of significant demand: 103 applications for just 60 places, and 59 of those were first-preference choices. The oversubscription ratio of 1.72 means nearly two families compete for every spot. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals sits at 14.8%, which is notably lower than the national average for primary schools (typically around 23-24%), suggesting the intake draws from a relatively less disadvantaged catchment. As a Roman Catholic state primary, its religious character will be a key factor for many families, and the school's popularity indicates it holds strong appeal within that community.

Academically, St Mary's performs solidly above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 67% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Derbyshire local authority average of 59%. That places the school 9th out of 25 primaries in Chesterfield and in the top 50% nationally. Looking at the individual subjects, reading and maths both achieved an average scaled score of 106, while 82% met the expected standard in maths and 80% in reading. Higher-attaining pupils are also well served: 38% achieved a high score in reading, 35% in maths, and 18% secured the top standard across all three subjects. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in June 2024, confirmed it remains Good, consistent with its previous graded inspection in 2018. Leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness were all rated Good.

The school offers a practical, well-equipped environment for its pupils. Facilities include playing fields, a sports hall, library, ICT suite, chapel and a dining hall. Sports provision covers cross country, swimming, cricket, tennis, rounders and gymnastics, while extracurricular clubs range from coding and science club to drama, eco club, book club and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists SEND support for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery or sixth form, and it is a day school only. Given its strong local reputation, academic performance above the LA average, and clear oversubscription, this is a school that suits Catholic families in Chesterfield who value a faith-based primary with good results and a broad range of activities, but they will need to apply early and make it their first choice.

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