The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
In a village setting on the edge of Bingley, Harden Primary School combines a long-established community role with outcomes that stand out well beyond its local area. Founded in 1877, it still uses part of its original Victorian building, alongside later additions and extensions that have expanded teaching space and facilities.
Academic performance is the headline. In 2024, 92.67% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, far above the England average of 62%. The school’s attainment places it among the strongest primaries in England, sitting in the top 10% nationally (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), and ranked 480th in England and 1st locally in Bingley.
Day-to-day, this is a state primary with a clear emphasis on calm routines, strong behaviour, and broad curriculum experiences, including themed workshops that bring topics to life.
Harden Primary School’s identity is closely tied to its place in the village. The school describes itself as being at the centre of Harden, and that community feel is supported by its long footprint in the area, dating back to 1877. Part of the school remains housed in the original Victorian building, with later 1960s additions and more recent extensions enabling further improvements.
The current headteacher is Mrs Leanne Ruddock. Leadership sits within Exceed Academies Trust, and governance is structured through trust oversight as well as local governors.
The most recent inspection activity is recent and helpful context. The latest Ofsted report is an ungraded (section 8) inspection from 4 and 5 March 2025, published 31 March 2025, and it indicates that the school’s work “may have improved significantly across all areas” since the previous graded inspection.
Behaviour and culture are described in practical, everyday terms: pupils conduct themselves well, are considerate, and contribute positively to the ethos. Importantly for families weighing a busy household routine, the report also paints a picture of a school where routines are secure and social times are settled, with a playground described as a happy place.
The 2024 key stage 2 outcomes presented here use the FindMySchool results (based on official data) and show consistently high attainment.
Expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined (2024): 92.67%, compared to the England average of 62%.
Higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined (2024): 41%, compared to the England average of 8%.
These are unusually strong figures for a state primary and suggest that high attainment is not limited to a small group at the top end. (All percentages are from the FindMySchool results.)
Reading average scaled score: 110
Maths average scaled score: 109
Grammar, punctuation and spelling average scaled score: 111
Expected standard: reading 97%, maths 94%, GPS 94%, science 90%
These results indicate both breadth and consistency, with particularly high performance in reading and GPS, and science still strong.
Parents comparing nearby options can use the FindMySchool Local Hub pages and the Comparison Tool to benchmark results like these side-by-side, using the same underlying measures rather than mixed sources.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
92.67%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
The curriculum information published by the school is unusually detailed for a primary, and it gives a clear picture of how teaching is structured.
In early years and key stage 1, the school describes a systematic approach to early reading, using Little Wandle as its phonics scheme, with frequent exposure to stories and a print-rich environment. For families, the implication is predictability: clear routines, consistent decoding practice, and a structured route into fluent reading.
The school outlines a planned sequence built around high-quality texts or clips, with assessment used to set a starting point, and structured progression through reading, GPS, and writing opportunities. The “hot task” outcome and published writing approach point to frequent extended writing rather than occasional end-of-unit pieces.
In maths, the school references NCETM research and a long-term plan aligned to White Rose Maths, with emphasis on precise mathematical language, careful scaffolding, and rapid intervention when needed. The practical implication is that pupils who enjoy depth and explanation tend to thrive, while pupils who need catch-up support should also find a system designed to identify gaps quickly.
Ofsted’s 2025 report is specific about enrichment, naming workshops including forensic science, the Tudors, and Bhangra dancing. This matters because it suggests the curriculum is not only high-attaining on paper; it is taught in ways that create memorable anchors and engagement across subjects.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
As a primary school, transition planning is central, even though destinations depend on family choice and admission criteria at the receiving schools.
The school’s prospectus indicates that children from Harden usually transfer to Parkside School (Bingley) or Beckfoot School, with some pupils also gaining places at selective schools including Bradford Grammar, Skipton Girls, Ermystead’s, and North Halifax Grammar School.
For families considering a grammar route, the key takeaway is that selective outcomes do occur, but they are not the default pathway for everyone. The secondary mix here can suit families who want a strong primary foundation without feeling locked into a single type of next step.
Harden Primary School is a state primary and is oversubscribed on the available admissions data for primary entry.
Applications: 103
Offers: 30
Ratio of applications to places: 3.43 applications per place
First preference pressure: proportion of first preferences versus offers is 1.14
Status: Oversubscribed
That ratio is the practical reality families feel on the ground. It suggests that, in many years, families should plan for a competitive process rather than assuming a place will be available.
Bradford’s published guidance for September 2026 primary entry confirms:
Closing date for applications: 15 January 2026
Offer notification: 16 April 2026
Because distance cut-offs vary year to year and a specific furthest distance at which a place was offered figure is not available for this school, families should treat proximity as helpful but not definitive. The most practical step is to use the FindMySchool Map Search to check precise home-to-school distance, then compare that against the local authority’s historical offer patterns where they are published.
For visits and open events, the safest assumption is that tours and open sessions typically run during the autumn term for Reception entry, but families should confirm dates directly with the school as timings can change.
Applications
103
Total received
Places Offered
30
Subscription Rate
3.4x
Apps per place
Pastoral systems are best judged by whether children feel safe, behaviour is consistent, and support is clear for pupils who need it.
The school places explicit emphasis on mental health and wellbeing through My Happy Mind, describing weekly taught sessions and wider embedding across practice. For parents, this signals a structured approach rather than occasional themed days.
The most recent Ofsted inspection activity also points to a settled culture: pupils behave well, follow routines, and enjoy social times, with the playground described as a positive space. The implication is a school where learning time is protected by calm behaviour expectations, which is often a strong fit for pupils who do best in predictable, orderly environments.
A common weakness in primary school information is vagueness about clubs. Harden offers a clearer picture through both its published materials and inspection detail.
The 2025 inspection report names several structured pupil roles: the fair-trade group, happiness heroes, and active ambassadors. These are not just badges; they indicate how the school builds responsibility into daily life, covering sustainability, wellbeing, and sport.
Workshops cited by Ofsted include forensic science, the Tudors, and Bhangra dancing, which suggests enrichment is planned as part of learning rather than an occasional extra.
The school’s curriculum information describes regular musical performances across the year (including Harvest, Christmas, Easter, celebration assemblies, and Year 6 performances), a choir that links with the local community, and instrumental learning in Years 4 and 5 (brass instruments and recorders). This is a meaningful pillar for families who want arts opportunities within a state primary without relying on private lessons to create that exposure.
The published school day details are clear:
Start time: 8:30am
Lunch: 12:00pm to 12:45pm
Finish time: 3:00pm
Gates lock at 8:35am and re-open at 2:55pm
Wraparound care
Breakfast and after-school care is available through Springfield Breakfast and Afterschool Club, which caters for ages 2 to 11 and operates as a wraparound service connected to the school community.
Transport and getting there
For most families, travel will be by walking, short drive, or local bus routes around Harden and Bingley. Parking and drop-off pressure tends to be the real practical constraint for village primaries, so it is worth checking the school’s guidance and doing a trial run at peak times.
Competition for places. With 103 applications for 30 offers and 3.43 applications per place in the available admissions data, entry is a genuine hurdle for many families.
A high-attainment environment. Results are extremely strong, including 41% working at the higher standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024 (England average 8%). For some pupils this is motivating; for others it can feel pressurised if confidence is fragile.
Inspection trajectory still to be confirmed by a graded visit. The March 2025 ungraded inspection suggests significant improvement, and the next inspection is expected to be graded. Families who place heavy weight on inspection outcomes may want to understand what has changed and how it is being sustained.
No on-site nursery provision in the published profile. For families seeking an all-in-one early years pathway, that may mean arranging separate childcare before Reception. (Nursery provision is not indicated for this school in the available results.)
Harden Primary School stands out for one main reason: academic outcomes that place it well above England averages while still presenting as a grounded, community-centred village primary. The curriculum detail suggests careful sequencing in reading, writing, and maths, and the enrichment programme named in official inspection material adds breadth that many high-attaining schools struggle to evidence.
Who it suits: families who want a high-performing state primary with clear routines, strong behaviour culture, and a curriculum that goes beyond worksheets into workshops, music, and leadership roles. The challenge lies in admission rather than what follows.
Yes. Results are exceptionally strong for a state primary, including 92.67% reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined in 2024, compared with the England average of 62%. The school is also ranked 480th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), and Ofsted’s most recent inspection activity (March 2025, ungraded) suggests the school’s work may have improved significantly across areas.
Applications are made through Bradford local authority for September entry. For September 2026 entry, the published closing date is 15 January 2026, with offers released on 16 April 2026. If you are applying from outside the normal round, you still apply through the local authority process for in-year places.
Yes. The available admissions data shows 103 applications for 30 offers for primary entry, with 3.43 applications per place, and the school is listed as oversubscribed on that measure. This means families should plan for competition rather than assuming a place will be available.
Wraparound care is available through Springfield Breakfast and Afterschool Club, which caters for children up to age 11. Families should confirm session times, booking, and availability directly with the provider, as capacity can vary across the year.
The school indicates that pupils usually transfer to Parkside School (Bingley) or Beckfoot School, with some pupils also gaining places at selective schools including Bradford Grammar, Skipton Girls, Ermystead’s, and North Halifax Grammar School. Exact destinations vary each year based on family preference and admissions outcomes.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
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