Denby Dale First and Nursery School
Gilthwaites Lane, Denby Dale, Huddersfield, HD8 8SGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Denby Dale First and Nursery School is a primary school in Huddersfield for ages 2 to 10. It is one of the 199 schools in Kirklees. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 15 November 2023, report published 19 December 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 15 November 2023
Denby Dale is a nurturing school where leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff have worked diligently to develop the curriculum, and pupils now learn through a wide range of subjects. Staff motivate pupils and help them to succeed, both academically and personally. This includes all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders have established consistent routines to support the school's high expectations of behaviour. There are very respectful working relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. Incidents of bullying are extremely rare. When they do happen, pupils know that adults are quick to sort out the problems. Pupils are happy, feel safe and enjoy learning. They are so proud when they earn any of the school's badges of honour. If they have any concerns or worries, pupils know that they can talk to an adult or access other support to help them keep calm. This includes spending time with the school's reading dog, Baxter. Pupils have many opportunities and experiences to broaden their personal development, for example listening to visitors, going on trips and taking part in outdoor learning. The school develops pupils' cultural understanding well. Pupils are involved in fundraising for charities, including through national events.
What the school should improve
- Some subjects do not match the quality of other, more developed curriculum areas. Because of this, pupils know more and understand more in some subjects compared with others. Leaders should further develop the curriculum so that it is of a consistently high quality across all subject areas.
- The school does not provide enough opportunities for pupils to debate. This contributes to many pupils not knowing how to debate issues. The school needs to plan more activities that enable pupils to debate, practise and consolidate what they have learned.
Pupil numbers and mix
112 pupils on roll, with places for 180
Schools near Denby Dale First and Nursery School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Aidan's Church of England Academy | 0.7 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | Not published |
| Skelmanthorpe Academy | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Scissett Middle School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 59% met the expected standard |
| Denby Church of England Voluntary Aided First School | 1 mile | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| Scissett Church of England Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 2 to 10
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Geoff Billing
- Phone
- 01484866071
- Address
- Gilthwaites Lane, Denby Dale, Huddersfield, HD8 8SG
- Local authority
- Kirklees
- URN
- 107688
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.