Darley Primary School, Harrogate

Ofsted's report card from its 22 September 2026 inspection grades Darley Primary School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders place a high priority on attendance."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils achieve well overall."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "On the whole, leaders understand the quality of the curriculum and teaching well."

Early years - Expected standard. "Children benefit from a positive and nurturing start to their education from the age of 2."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "The school is a welcoming community where pupils and families feel valued."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders know the school and its community well."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Pupils benefit from a coherent programme that supports their personal development and wellbeing."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to strengthen the way they identify priorities and check the impact of their actions so that their improvements make the greatest possible difference to pupils' learning, experiences and future success".

In 2025, 86% of Year 6 pupils at Darley Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 86% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 73% in North Yorkshire and 77% and 75% across England.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 5 families put Darley Primary School as their first choice and 27 named it as one of their preferences, for 5 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Darley Primary School are Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School (1.8 miles, Good, 57% reading, 57% maths); Summerbridge Primary School (2 miles, 40% reading, 47% maths); Birstwith Church of England Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 100% reading, 100% maths); and Admiral Long Church of England Primary School (3 miles, Good, 50% reading, 33% maths).

Darley Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

Darley Primary School is one of 11 schools run by Yorkshire Collaborative Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 73% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

9.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 13 pupils (14.8%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Darley Primary School had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 12 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Darley Primary School.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Silverdale Close (adjacent), 70 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in North Yorkshire (9).

Darley Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.