Dove Holes CofE Primary School
Hallsteads, Dove Holes, Buxton, SK17 8BJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dove Holes CofE Primary School is a primary school in Buxton for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 449 schools in Derbyshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 January 2024, report published 17 March 2024
- 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 23 January 2024
Pupils are proud to say they attend Dove Holes Church of England Primary School. They appreciate that it is a small school where everyone knows each other. One pupil said, 'Even though it's a small school, it's a good school.' Another pupil added, 'It's even better because it's a small school.' The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour. These expectations are underpinned by the school values of love, others, forgiveness, truth and perseverance. Pupils can explain how these values influence their actions. They know that forgiveness is vital when they fall out or have a problem with someone. They understand that they should not 'hold on to what is wrong' because this makes their school a happier and more harmonious place to work and play. Pupils talk enthusiastically about the many exciting events the school provides for them. They enjoy trips to Magna Science Adventure Centre, visits from authors and raising money for charities. They are passionate about their weekly outdoor learning session where they safely light fires, learn to whittle and build dens. The school has big plans to continue to improve. Staff are working together with determination to make this carefully considered vision a reality.
What the school should improve
- The school has made significant strides to improve the quality of education, although not all of leaders' ambitious plans have been fully realised. The curriculum is not consistently delivered as intended. The school should ensure that the curriculum is consistently well implemented.
- The school has not sufficiently developed the ways in which it supports pupils with social and emotional needs. These pupils are not consistently given the help they need to manage their feelings and this can impact on the learning of other pupils. The school must ensure that staff have the skills and expertise they need to support these pupils so that they, and others, can learn as well as they can.
Pupil numbers and mix
41 pupils on roll, with places for 84
Schools near Dove Holes CofE Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Dale Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Good | 21% met the expected standard |
| Chapel-en-le-Frith CofE VC Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 34% met the expected standard |
| Combs Infant School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Not published |
| Peak Forest Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| St Anne's Catholic Voluntary Academy | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 53% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr James Handley
- Phone
- 01298812808
- Address
- Hallsteads, Dove Holes, Buxton, SK17 8BJ
- Local authority
- Derbyshire
- URN
- 112809
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.