Preston Primary School
Hitchin, SG4 7UJ · Hertfordshire · primary school
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312nd 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 — 0.1/10 against 1,727 of them, against 0.5/10 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 | 27.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.08 |
| 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.
Preston Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 27.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, 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 (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Drama Club and play football, hockey, lacrosse, dodgeball, athletics, badminton, cricket, or tennis. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 60 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific strategies are used to improve reading and writing outcomes? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Preston Primary School
Overview
Pupils “thrive” at this close-knit school, where they “behave exceptionally well” and approach lessons with enthusiasm. The curriculum is described as “ambitious” and logically sequenced, helping pupils build knowledge over time, particularly in mathematics and early reading. Leaders foster a supportive environment where staff receive high-quality training and governors actively monitor progress.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “high levels of respect and kindness,” creating an atmosphere where they feel “happy and safe.”
- Teachers “skilfully pose questions” to identify and close gaps in knowledge, fostering independent and resilient learners.
- The school values inclusivity highly, with staff adapting activities so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities “achieve well.”
- Early reading is taught effectively, with books “carefully matched to sounds” to help pupils blend words with confidence.
- A wide range of activities, clubs, and trips helps increase pupils’ confidence and gives them “aspirations for their futures.”
Areas to improve
- Pupils in key stage 2 do not have “sufficient opportunities to read a broad and ambitious range of texts” outside the English curriculum, meaning some do not routinely read texts that “stimulate their interests or deepen their knowledge of reading.”
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 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 27% |
| 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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