The Bolsover School
Chesterfield, S44 6XA · Derbyshire · secondary school
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32nd of 45 secondary schools in Derbyshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.9/10 against 547 of them, against 3.8/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 16 | 35% | 0.55 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 45.2 · 50 | 30% | 1.51 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.32 · 26 | 25% | 0.64 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.9 · 34 | 10% | 0.33 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Bolsover School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 42.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.0, slightly above the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.32 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in November 2025 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 911 pupils against a stated capacity of 850. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils who are behind in English and maths? How does the new Ofsted framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about The Bolsover School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders lead with a "clear moral purpose" and maintain "consistently high expectations" for staff and pupils. Inspectors found that the school is fulfilling the expected standard of education, with pupils who are "safe and happy" and "very well cared for."
Strengths
- Leaders have taken "decisive action" to address previous weaknesses, leading to improved attendance and examination results.
- Staff manage behaviour "consistently well," creating a "safe and calm environment" with very few incidents of bullying.
- The curriculum is broad and well-sequenced, with teachers who are "knowledgeable" and explain concepts clearly.
- The school has an "inclusive ethos," identifying pupils' special educational needs swiftly and using effective support strategies.
- There is a "genuine team spirit" among staff, who are supported well and benefit from thoughtful professional learning.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teaching is "consistently and appropriately adapted" to overcome barriers faced by disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- Leaders should continue to embed pupils’ learning to further raise attainment and progress.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 41.4 |
| 2024/25 | 45.0 |
| 2025/26 | 42.9 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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