High Halden Church of England Primary School, Ashford

Ofsted's report card from its 23 June 2026 inspection grades High Halden Church of England 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.

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Leaders have created an inclusive culture that is at the heart of the school's approach."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Over time, outcomes in national tests have been close to the national average."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders prioritise pupils' attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a curriculum that is tailored to the needs of pupils."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have carefully identified the key knowledge that children need to know and when so they are well prepared for key stage 1."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders know the community they serve well."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have developed an effective programme of personal development."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that teachers use checks on learning precisely to address misconceptions and ensure that pupils have secured important knowledge before moving on to new learning, so pupils can achieve highly across the curriculum"; "Leaders should ensure that teachers provide regular opportunities for pupils to practise using technical vocabulary, both spoken and written, so that pupils communicate effectively, including in the early years"; "Leaders and those responsible for governance should continue to regularly monitor and accurately evaluate the impact of their work so that this leads to sustained improvement in areas that need strengthening".

In its own words: "High Halden Church of England Primary School is a small, friendly village school nestled in the beautiful Kent countryside. Children, staff, and families work closely together in an environment where every individual is valued and supported to flourish. We have around 105 children on roll, taught across four mixed-age classes."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include dance, drama, choir, chess, coding, Lego, cooking, debating and forest school.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care, from £3 per day.

In 2025, 75% of Year 6 pupils at High Halden Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 42% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Kent and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 87% in reading and 60% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 23 families put High Halden Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 52 named it as one of their preferences, for 15 places offered. That is 1.5 first choices for every place. 8 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to High Halden Church of England Primary School are St Michael's Church of England Primary School (1.5 miles, Good, 60% reading, 64% maths); Bethersden Primary School (2.4 miles, Good, 77% reading, 54% maths); Tenterden Church of England Junior School (2.6 miles, Good, 64% reading, 54% maths); and Tenterden Infant School (2.6 miles, Good).

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

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

In 2026, 9 pupils (8.6%) received SEN support and 2 (1.9%) 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 autism.

High Halden Church of England Primary School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Tenterden Town Rail Station (KESR), about 2.6 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Chequers (opposite), 220 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 11 crimes within a mile of the school, most often other theft, violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Kent (101).

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