Dame Catherine Harpur’s School is a small independent school located in the village of Ticknall in south Derbyshire. The proprietor is Dame Catherine Harpur’s Trust. The trustees, who are members from the local community, form the proprietorial body. The governing body, which is known as the senior management team, manages the school. There had previously been a fall in pupil numbers, which had caused severe financial constraints. In October 2016, the school admitted a relatively large number of pupils after a local independent school closed. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is above Inspection report: Dame Catherine Harpur’s School, 8 November 2017 Page 7 of 10 the national average. At the time of the previous inspection, no pupils had a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan. The school aims to develop pupils to become rounded individuals, who are confident and engaged, with a lifelong love of learning. The curriculum emphasises the importance of learning by doing. The school’s previous inspection was in June 2017.