Chesterton is a large primary school, which serves an urban area that is economically deprived. This is evidenced by the fact that the number of pupils who take free school meals is well above average. Families move in and out of the area far more frequently than is usual. This is a diverse multicultural community and the number of pupils of minority ethnic origin is much higher than the national average. Over two thirds of the pupils require extra support in learning English as an additional language when they arrive. The school holds the Investors in People award. It is unusual in that it has two full-time headteachers.