Holmesdale Infant School, Dronfield

In its own words: ""Brilliant because we take care of each other. We celebrate what other children have done. I always feel safe. "Amazing because all the teachers are kind and helpful. Every teacher and pupil takes part. "The best because I love playtime. There are lots of places to play. I love going in the writing corner."

For September 2026 entry, 28 families put Holmesdale Infant School as their first choice and 63 named it as one of their preferences, for 29 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Holmesdale Infant School are Dronfield Stonelow Junior School (0.1 miles, Good, 85% reading, 83% maths); Lenthall Infant and Nursery School (0.3 miles, Good); Northfield Junior School (0.3 miles, Good, 100% reading, 89% maths); and Dronfield Junior School (0.6 miles, Good, 71% reading, 71% maths).

54 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Holmesdale Infant School (as of September 2025): 85% would recommend the school, 93% say their child is happy there and 70% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (93%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (70%).

16.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 2.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 16 pupils (10.7%) received SEN support and 3 (2%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Holmesdale Infant School had 10 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 railway station is Dronfield Rail Station, about 680 metres away (roughly a 8-minute walk).

18 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Stonelow Green (adjacent), 150 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 88 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Derbyshire (50), as is usual near a town centre.

Holmesdale Infant School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Holmesdale Infant School are Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School (0.4 miles) and Meadowhead School Academy Trust (1.5 miles).