Hartington CofE Primary School

About Hartington CofE Primary School

Hartington CofE Primary School is a very small Church of England primary in the Derbyshire Dales, currently teaching just 24 pupils against a capacity of 50. That means the school is running at under half its potential size, which is unusual for a state primary and gives it a genuinely intimate feel. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 8.3%, notably lower than the national average of around 23%, reflecting the relatively affluent local area. Despite the small roll, demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received five applications for just one available place, making it officially oversubscribed with a ratio of five applicants per spot. Only one of those applications was a first preference, suggesting that while the school is popular locally, its tiny intake means competition is concentrated on a single place each year. This is a school that suits families who value a close-knit, rural setting and are prepared to navigate a tight admissions process.

Academically, Hartington holds a Good rating from Ofsted, a grade it has maintained consistently across its two most recent inspections, the latest of which took place in June 2024. The inspection report awarded Good marks across all four key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school does not publish Key Stage 2 SATs results in the data provided, so it is not possible to compare its academic performance directly against the Derbyshire local authority average of 59% reaching the expected standard. However, the Ofsted breakdown shows no areas of weakness, and the school’s sustained Good rating over more than a decade suggests stable, reliable teaching. With no sixth form and no nursery provision, the focus is squarely on the primary years, and the small cohort size means each child receives a high degree of individual attention from headteacher Tracy Blackwell and her team.

The school offers a surprising range of facilities for its size, including a Forest School, sports hall, art studios, music rooms, and a chapel, alongside an outdoor playground and ICT suite. Sports provision covers football, cricket, dance, rounders, swimming, tennis, and gymnastics, and there are clubs for gardening, art, and drama. For children with additional needs, the school lists support for social, emotional and mental health, speech, language and communication, and autistic spectrum disorder. This is a school that will particularly suit families looking for a small, rural Church of England primary with strong outdoor learning opportunities and a broad extracurricular offer, despite its tiny roll. The oversubscription means early registration is essential, and parents should be prepared for the possibility of not securing a place in the first round of applications.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Hartington CofE Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents