Birchwood Avenue Primary School
Hatfield, AL10 0PS · Hertfordshire · primary school
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307th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.6/10 against 2,106 of them, against 0.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| 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.
Birchwood Avenue Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% 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% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a speed stacking club and participate in football, basketball, athletics, racket sports, District Sports, Sports Days, and cross-country. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to improve attainment in writing? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Birchwood Avenue Primary School
Overview
Pupils regard the school as their ‘happy place’, benefiting from positive relationships and a culture where bullying is rare. Leaders have implemented a ‘new and suitably challenging curriculum’ that has raised expectations, resulting in pupils learning and remembering more than previously. The school is rated ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and supported, with staff dealing with any concerns ‘fairly and thoroughly’.
- A ‘well-sequenced phonics curriculum’ ensures children learn sounds quickly, with rigorous assessment helping those falling behind to catch up.
- Teachers explain concepts clearly and provide appropriate tasks, enabling pupils to learn a ‘rich and varied curriculum’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn alongside peers through carefully adapted curriculum provisions.
- Older pupils develop confidence through leadership roles, such as the ‘eco council’, and gain a strong understanding of equalities and democracy.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must provide training so teachers possess the precise subject knowledge needed to teach all aspects of the revised curriculum confidently.
- The early years curriculum requires refinement to ensure pupils acquire all specific subject knowledge necessary for Year 1 readiness.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders taking ‘tenacious’ action to support pupils and maintaining a culture of vigilance through weekly updates and robust recruitment checks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 37% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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