Hardy Mill Primary School
Hardy Mill Road, Harwood, Bolton, BL2 4EFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Hardy Mill Primary School is a primary school in Bolton for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 142 schools in Bolton. It ranks 38th of 86 primary schools in Bolton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 25 February 2015, report published 18 March 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 26 November 2024
Pupils settle in quickly at this friendly and nurturing school. They develop a strong sense of belonging as soon as they start in the early years. Pupils are happy and they enjoy attending. They say that the best thing about their school is that their teachers make their learning fun. The school has a culture of high expectations for pupils' achievement, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Most pupils achieve well across a range of subjects. To celebrate and encourage their successes, the school rewards pupils with silver and gold awards, house points and 'Friday Honours'. Pupils understand the school's values, which include respecting others and having pride and resilience in learning and in life. Pupils behave well. They learn about the importance of cooperating with others socially and while learning together. The school provides pupils with various experiences that enrich their learning of the curriculum. For example, pupils enjoyed a recent trip to the seaside to compare different places. They take part in a range of clubs including dance, running, boxercise, art and choir. 'Mindful Monday' and 'Well-being Wednesday' sessions enable pupils to relax and take part in calming activities.
What the school should improve
- At times, teachers do not make their explanations of new learning sufficiently clear. This means that some pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school should help staff to better support pupils in understanding new vocabulary and concepts, so that they develop a secure understanding across the curriculum.
- The school does not make sure that staff check carefully enough how well pupils secure important knowledge. As a result, some pupils develop misunderstandings and make some mistakes, including in their written communication. The school should ensure that staff strengthen their checks on pupils' learning, to help pupils to develop the knowledge that they need for their next stages of education.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
45 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
316 pupils on roll, with places for 356
Schools near Hardy Mill Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Brendan's RC Primary School, Harwood, Bolton | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 55% met the expected standard |
| Harwood Meadows Primary School | 0.3 miles | Report card: Expected standard | 62% met the expected standard |
| St Maxentius CofE Primary School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 61% met the expected standard |
| Red Lane Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 63% met the expected standard |
| St Columba's RC Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 69% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Jo Briggs
- Phone
- 01204333770
- Address
- Hardy Mill Road, Harwood, Bolton, BL2 4EF
- Local authority
- Bolton
- URN
- 105189
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.