Bernards Heath Junior School
St Albans, AL3 5HP · Hertfordshire · primary school
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57th 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 3,510 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.0/10 among them, against 8.5/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bernards Heath Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 17.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.0 out of 10 among them, against 8.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Recorder Club, Musical Theatre, Yoga, STEAM Club, Spanish, Orchestra, French, and Mosaic Club. Sports include Netball, Dodgeball, Football, Karate, Basketball, and Acro/Cheer. Arts and music options cover Street Dance, Creative Book Making, Choir, and Fine Art Club. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 353 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 who are close to the expected standard? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the after-school club? How are the various clubs scheduled to avoid conflicts with core lessons?
What Ofsted said about Bernards Heath Junior School
Overview
Pupils thrive at this “purposeful, happy and nurturing school” where staff care deeply about their welfare. The report highlights that pupils enjoy interesting lessons, read enthusiastically, and achieve well by the end of their time here. Behaviour and attitudes are described as “exemplary,” with pupils showing high levels of respect, kindness, and maturity.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “exemplary” behaviour and attitudes, treating others with “high levels of respect and kindness” while bullying rarely occurs.
- The curriculum is well-established, helping pupils develop subject-specific knowledge and preparing them effectively for secondary school.
- Reading is central to the curriculum; teachers provide effective support, resulting in pupils becoming “confident and enthusiastic readers.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum and achieve well through tailored support.
- Personal development is of a “very high quality,” with a well-structured curriculum and extensive opportunities for clubs, sports, and cultural activities.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, curriculum plans lack sufficient detail on the progression of knowledge and skills, limiting the depth of pupils’ understanding compared to other areas.
- Assessment in a few foundation subjects is not as robust as in others, meaning teachers do not identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge as effectively as they could.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 85% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| England | 64% |
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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