Garden City Academy
Letchworth Garden City, SG6 2JZ · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
188th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.4/10 against 1,092 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Garden City Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 215 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
Since the expected standard result is below the national median, what specific support is provided for pupils who are not meeting targets in reading, writing, or maths?
What Ofsted said about Garden City Academy
Overview
Garden City Academy continues to be a good school, described as a ‘happy school’ where pupils speak proudly of the ‘GCA way’. The report highlights a ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’ that ensures pupils achieve well within this ‘small and inclusive school community’. Despite recent staffing changes, the trust provided swift support to maintain educational quality, and pupils are ‘typically well prepared to move into secondary education’.
Strengths
- Pupils respond well to ‘high expectations of their behaviour and achievement’, with ‘respectful relationships’ being the norm.
- The curriculum is ‘securely focused on ensuring that all pupils achieve well’, with specific success in addressing ‘historically weaker outcomes in reading and writing’.
- A ‘high proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported’ through adapted tasks and specialist guidance.
- Pupils enjoy ‘access to the range of experiences beyond the classroom’, including highly valued opportunities like residential trips and pupil parliament.
- Staff benefit from strong leadership support, with a focus on ‘continuous improvement’ and manageable workloads.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure staff training is completed quickly to resolve mismatches between planned learning and classroom activities in subjects with new leaders.
- The school should continue to strengthen efforts to secure the regular attendance of all pupils, as some miss out on learning and wider opportunities.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘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 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 26% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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