Hartest Church of England Primary School, Bury St Edmunds

In its own words: "“Inspiring, Nurturing, Caring” Hartest CE Primary is a warm and caring school, underpinned by a strong Christian ethos. All members of our school family are valued and respected. Each child is individually known, enabling us to ensure that every child achieves their very best."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Our aim at Hartest is for your child to be happy and secure in our small, nurturing environment, gaining the best possible education whilst continuing to develop both personally and socially. At Hartest we firmly believe that education is a partnership between home and school."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include multi-sports and art.

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care.

In 2025, 71% of Year 6 pupils at Hartest Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 57% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 72% in Suffolk and 77% and 75% across England.

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

For September 2026 entry, 2 families put Hartest Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 15 named it as one of their preferences, for 2 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 Hartest Church of England Primary School are All Saints' Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Lawshall (2.3 miles, Outstanding, 87% reading, 87% maths); Glemsford Primary Academy (2.6 miles, Good, 90% reading, 97% maths); Cavendish Church of England Primary School (4.1 miles); and Cockfield Church of England Primary School (4.7 miles, 91% reading, 82% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Hartest Church of England Primary School.

Hartest Church of England Primary School is one of 21 schools run by St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust, an academy trust.

0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 12 pupils (28.6%) received SEN support and 2 (4.8%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

Hartest Church of England Primary School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 9 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 Hartest Church of England Primary School.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is School (outside), 60 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Suffolk (32).

Hartest Church of England Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.