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Bayford Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Hertford, SG13 8PX · Hertfordshire · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2025 Inspected 1 year ago Mixed Primary Church of England
2.1/10 Below average

315th of 337 primary schools in Hertfordshire we can score, 398 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.

Narrow the comparison to the 4,240 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.0/10 among them, against 0.5/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.

How this is worked out
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 23.0 · 1 40% 0.05
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 0.0 · 10 25% 0.26

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Bayford Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 23.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.0 out of 10 among them, against 0.5 out of 10 nationally.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils access dance, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, and outdoor adventurous activities. Music provision includes violin and brass lessons, participation in the Hertford, Ware and District carol service, and a music festival. A residential stay is offered. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 87 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.

Worth asking on a visit

How does the school support pupils to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need additional help in reading or maths? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Bayford Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Inspection report dated 24 March 2025

Overview

Bayford Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is described as a “happy school” where staff build strong relationships, helping pupils feel “safe and secure.” The inspection confirms that the school has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” Pupils are attentive, work hard, and enjoy a broad curriculum, particularly benefiting from learning in the school’s “beautiful outdoor areas.”

Strengths

  • Staff deliver a “broad and ambitious” curriculum with “secure subject knowledge” in well-established subjects like English, mathematics, and science.
  • Pupils “enjoy reading” and are introduced to “diverse literature” that helps “prepare them for life in modern Britain.”
  • Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “effective support” and work successfully alongside peers.
  • The school fosters a “calm and purposeful atmosphere” with high expectations for behaviour and effective handling of disruptions.
  • Governors are “well informed” and support staff well-being, while pupils develop a strong awareness of different cultures and religions.

Areas to improve

  • The early reading programme is “delivered inconsistently,” meaning some pupils do not secure phonics knowledge as quickly as they could.
  • In a few subjects, teachers lack the “depth of subject knowledge” and high expectations found in other areas, affecting pupil achievement.
  • Leaders recognise that “more needs to be done” to further improve attendance, despite recent progress.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
23%
2024/25
Higher standard
0%
2024/25
Demand
×0.73
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
12%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

40% 2022/23
55% 2023/24
23% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Bayford Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2340%
2023/2455%
2024/2523%
England64%

Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.

Your offer chance

Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.

Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.

Next dates

  • Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
  • Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
  • Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
  • Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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