Harpenden Academy
Harpenden, AL5 4EL · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
45th 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 2,551 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.4/10 among them, against 9.0/10 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 | 81.0 · 89 | 40% | 3.57 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 25% | 2.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Harpenden Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 81.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 19.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.4 out of 10 among them, against 9.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in cross-country, tag rugby, football, netball, chess, rounders, hockey, and the Kwik cricket festival, alongside choir. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
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 after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2025 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Harpenden Academy
Overview
Evidence from this ungraded inspection suggests that Harpenden Academy’s work “may have improved significantly across all areas” since the previous inspection. Consequently, the school’s next inspection will be a graded inspection. The report describes a “nurturing and vibrant environment” where pupils develop “exceptional foundations for learning” and are well prepared for secondary school.
Strengths
- The “ambitious curriculum” ensures pupils acquire “essential building blocks of knowledge” in reading, writing, and mathematics from the start.
- Staff provide “tailored support” enabling pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to “learn alongside their classmates and achieve as well as they can.”
- Pupils are “happy, respectful and behave well,” with “strong relationships with staff” creating a supportive atmosphere.
- Teachers’ “deep understanding of their pupils” allows them to adapt learning effectively, ensuring pupils “retain important knowledge.”
- The school fosters respect for diversity through “meaningful discussions, themed events and the curriculum,” helping pupils understand equality and perseverance.
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 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 81% |
| 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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