Cunningham Hill Junior School
St Albans, AL1 5QJ · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st 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 — 9.7/10 against 4,240 of them, against 9.7/10 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.82 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 32.0 · 99 | 25% | 2.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cunningham Hill Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 32.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.7 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in June 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend a breakfast club and an after-school club. Trips include a School Sleepover, Bushcraft, Kingswood Activity Centre, Stackpole, and Legoland.
Getting in
The published school roll is 236 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Bushcraft trip? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from this junior school to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about Cunningham Hill Junior School
Overview
Cunningham Hill Junior School is described as a place where "the sky is the limit for pupils," who thrive in a culture of kindness and high expectations. Leaders have established a clear vision that underpins ongoing reflection, resulting in a stable team committed to providing the best possible outcomes for pupils both academically and socially.
Strengths
- Pupils are "aspirational and committed to the hard work" required for success, developing persistence and resilience while reaching "very high standards across the curriculum."
- The "ambitious curriculum" carefully sequences knowledge and vocabulary, with skilful teachers constantly checking understanding to ensure pupils secure key concepts before moving on.
- Pupils demonstrate a "love of books and a thirst for reading," rapidly catching up if they fall behind through targeted support with finely graded books.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "skilfully included in lessons" with anticipated resources and bespoke sessions, enabling them to "achieve highly."
- Behaviour is excellent, with pupils being "highly respectful" and demonstrating self-control, while actively promoting tolerance and inclusion through peer leadership roles.
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 88% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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