Welcome from our Headteacher

Miss Nicole Chapman

On behalf of the whole school community, I would like to warmly welcome you to Hadlow Primary School.

Although our website cannot do our wonderful school complete justice, I do hope that it meets its aims by giving you an exciting and informative glimpse into life at Hadlow Primary School. Choosing the right primary school can be one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make, but making the right choice for you and your family can reap huge, long-term rewards. The ethos and values of every primary school are quite different, and the “feel” you get when you walk around a school can be an instant indicator of whether or not the setting is right for you and your child. So please do take the time to visit us if you can.

Our school is a small, one-form entry setting with a strong family feel, serving the local area and children further afield. We are fully inclusive of all children’s needs and ensure that every member of our school community feels appreciated and valued. We pride ourselves on the nurturing and positive relationships we build with our children and their families — something recognised through our accreditation with Nurture UK and reflected daily in the kind, respectful interactions seen at the school gate.

Our mission statement at Hadlow Primary School is simple: Happiness, Progress and Success.

We strive to make our school a happy place for each and every child. Our staff go the extra mile to nurture, support and value the individual strengths and needs of our pupils. When children feel safe, supported and happy, they develop the motivation to learn and the confidence to take risks. This approach underpins the outstanding judgements awarded by Ofsted for Behaviour and Attitudes and for Early Years, affirming that nurture at Hadlow is not an initiative — it is a way of being.

We deliver a diverse, engaging and enriching curriculum that focuses on the progression of skills, knowledge and vocabulary. We have high expectations for all pupils, including those with SEND, and firmly believe that every child can make great progress when they are supported, scaffolded, encouraged and challenged in the right way. Progress, no matter how small, is a moment of pride in our school.

Success is inevitable when we have a school full of happy, motivated children who are inspired by their learning and experiences. We celebrate success with a smile, no matter how big or how small. We reward effort and achievement and foster a strong growth mindset within our pupils — because at Hadlow, success is limitless.

Hadlow Primary School is a proud partner of the Bourne Partnership, a federation of two small schools with unique charm and character. This mutually supportive collaboration strengthens opportunities, learning and professional development for both children and staff.

Community is at the heart of everything we do, and every stakeholder — whether near or far — is integral to the continuing happiness, progress and success of Hadlow Primary School. We hope that you will join us.

What Our Community Love About the School

Parents

'The list of strengths for Hadlow primary are endless in my opinion. They are all absolutely amazing teachers who take the time to get to know their children and cater for each child’s individual needs whilst still treating all the children with the same level of care and respect. They recognised my child’s SEN needs when we transferred to the school after moving and put measurements in place to help her and encourage her to thrive.' 

'Quality of teaching, compassion of the staff, celebration of achievements and a brilliant community to be part of.'

'They care for children's mental health and making sure they are happy as a priority which leads to better learning.'

'It's a warm, welcoming and loving environment. Staff are catering and go beyond and above.'

'An inclusive and well managed school. Staff and students in my child's class all appear to thrive here.'

Nurture UK Report: October 2025

“Hadlow Primary School stands as a shining example of what happens when time, empathy and structure are used with intention. Here, nurture is not an initiative — it is a way of being. And in doing so, the whole community thrives.”

"Parental relationships are a standout strength at Hadlow Primary School. From the moment they arrive at the school gate, parents are met with warmth, openness, and consistency. The daily presence of staff on the gate has created a culture of accessibility and trust; it is where many small but meaningful conversations happen."

"Pupil wellbeing at Hadlow Primary School is exceptional. Children speak with pride, warmth, and genuine affection for their school, describing it as a place where “teachers really care about us and want us to do well.” The rhythm of the school day — gentle starts, calm transitions, and predictable routines — creates a secure base that nurtures emotional safety."

"Behaviour at Hadlow Primary School is understood through the lens of emotion and experience. Staff are guided by the principle that “when something doesn’t go right, we always start with curiosity.” This compassionate stance transforms interactions: challenges become opportunities for understanding, and dysregulation is met with calm and care."

"Safety and belonging are felt immediately upon entering Hadlow Primary School. Every morning, adults are at the gate to “scoop up a child with kindness and love,” setting a tone of calm connection that carries through the day."

Ofsted Report: February 2025

"The ‘3 school rules’ and school values of ‘relationships, resilience, regulation, reflection and recognition’ guide pupils’ conduct and help to develop their character. This is seen in their exemplary behaviour and commitment to their education."

" The school’s highly inclusive approach to identifying SEND ensures that swift action is taken so that pupils get the support they need. This means that pupils with SEND are able to access the curriculum and learn happily alongside their peers."

" Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and caring. The school’s nurturing approach supports pupils’ emotional well-being, enabling them to thrive in a safe environment. Staff know the pupils and their families well. This helps them to put the right support in place so that every child is able to experience success and have a positive school experience."

"Pupils’ behaviour is exceptional. The school’s ‘behaviour blueprint’ is known and understood by staff and pupils. Pupils are polite and well-mannered. There are high levels of respect for others. At social times, pupils play happily. They are kind and look out for one another."