Whitwell Primary School

About Whitwell Primary School

Whitwell Primary School is a popular choice among local families, and the numbers back that up. For the 2025/26 reception intake, the school received 64 applications for just 28 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.29. That means more than two families applied for every available spot, and all 28 first-preference offers were taken up. While the school’s Parent View data isn’t available in this snapshot, the high demand alone suggests a strong reputation in the Bolsover community. The school is a state primary for mixed genders aged 3 to 11, with a nursery on site, and it currently has 259 pupils against a capacity of 306. Headteacher Sarah Tomlinson leads a school where 38.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average, indicating a genuinely inclusive intake.

Academically, Whitwell has made clear progress. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in December 2023, the school was rated Good overall, a significant improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating in 2019. The inspection gave Outstanding marks for early years provision, personal development, and behaviour and attitudes, while quality of education and leadership were both rated Good. At Key Stage 2 in 2023/24, 59% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which matches the Derbyshire local authority average of 59%. Average scores in reading and maths both sat at 102, and 67% of pupils hit the expected standard in each subject individually. Writing was a relative strength, with 72% reaching the expected level. In the Bolsover local authority ranking, Whitwell sits 10th out of 22 primary schools, placing it in the middle of the pack locally.

The school offers a solid range of facilities, including a library, outdoor playground, gymnasium, playing fields, a sensory room and art studios. Sports provision covers netball, tennis, athletics, cross country, dance, gymnastics and swimming, while after-school clubs include drama, coding, art, chess, eco club and gardening. For children with additional needs, the school lists support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication issues, physical disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder and other difficulties. With its nursery provision, strong early years rating and inclusive SEND offer, Whitwell is well suited to families in the Bolsover area looking for a community primary that has turned itself around and is now oversubscribed. The chapel on site is unusual for a non-religious school and may reflect the building’s history.

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