Crabtree Junior School
Harpenden, AL5 5PU · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
7th 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 821 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.9/10 among them, against 9.5/10 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 | 86.0 · 95 | 40% | 3.78 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 25.0 · 96 | 25% | 2.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Crabtree Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 86.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 25.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.9 out of 10 among them, against 9.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in watersports and attend trips to HYMB and overnight residentials.
Getting in
The published school roll is 256 pupils against a stated capacity of 256. 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 in reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific skills are developed during the overnight residentials?
What Ofsted said about Crabtree Junior School
Overview
Crabtree Junior School is judged as ‘Outstanding’ across all inspection categories, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership. The report describes a vibrant school where pupils demonstrate ‘G.R.I.T’—embodying ‘growth’, ‘resilience’, ‘independence’ and ‘teamwork’—and benefit from a ‘precisely designed curriculum’ that builds detailed knowledge. Leaders and staff work seamlessly to create a supportive environment where pupils thrive academically and personally.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit ‘exemplary’ behaviour and ‘strikingly positive attitudes to their learning’, eagerly accepting leadership roles such as diversity leaders and peer mediators.
- The curriculum is ‘coherently designed’, allowing pupils to build on ‘impressive knowledge’ and produce work of a ‘consistently high standard’ across all subjects.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive ‘skilful support’ to remove barriers, enabling them to achieve ‘exceptionally well’ within the same ambitious curriculum.
- Reading is highly valued; pupils ‘devour’ books and those needing extra help receive ‘expert phonics teaching’ to catch up quickly.
- Pastoral care is ‘wide-ranging’ and tailored, contributing to high attendance and a culture where pupils are ‘itching to get to school each day’.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 85% |
| 2024/25 | 86% |
| 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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