Sauncey Wood Primary School
Harpenden, AL5 5HL · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
231st 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 — 4.2/10 against 3,131 of them, against 4.2/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 62% | 2.26 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sauncey Wood Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.2 out of 10 either way).
Getting in
The published school roll is 147 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6 students? How does the school manage class sizes with the current number of places?
What Ofsted said about Sauncey Wood Primary School
Overview
Sauncey Wood Primary School is described as a "friendly school" where pupils are "polite and welcoming" and relationships are strong. The report highlights that recent curriculum improvements are "bearing fruit," with increasing numbers of pupils achieving well and a "calm and purposeful" atmosphere.
Strengths
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "very well supported" and learn successfully alongside peers.
- Staff teach the curriculum effectively, using "effective questioning" to check understanding and address misconceptions.
- Reading is a clear priority, with staff teaching phonics well and "increasing numbers of pupils" becoming fluent readers by Year 2.
- Governors are "very well informed" and hold leaders to account while supporting them.
- Pupils show respect for each other and staff, and enjoy a strong sense of belonging through events like "joyous weekly singing assemblies."
Areas to improve
- The school must act with "urgency" to improve attendance systems, as some pupils miss important learning due to irregular attendance.
- In a few subjects, the curriculum is not yet fully embedded, leading to inconsistencies in teaching where pupils' work does not reflect their depth of understanding.
- The early years curriculum lacks clarity in some areas, meaning some children are not as well prepared for Year 1 as they could be.
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 40% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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