St Mary's Voluntary Controlled Church of England Junior School
Ware, SG12 0RL · Hertfordshire · primary school
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211st 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 4,266 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8/10 among them, against 4.1/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Voluntary Controlled Church of England Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8 out of 10 among them, against 4.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Lego, Ukulele, Cooking, Dance, and Cheerleading clubs, alongside Athletics, Netball, Rounders, Multi-sports, and Yoga. Art and Craft and Choir are also available, with an after-school club provided.
Getting in
The published school roll is 231 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 to progress from the expected to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve attainment in the similar-intake comparison group? How is the after-school club structured to support pupil wellbeing?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Voluntary Controlled Church of England Junior School
Overview
Pupils enjoy attending this “warm and friendly” school where they settle quickly due to clear rules and routines. The report states that the overall effectiveness is “Good,” with pupils demonstrating a “good work ethic” and behaving well, which helps them feel safe. Leaders have designed a broad curriculum that prepares pupils well for secondary school, supported by high expectations and a strong focus on personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils respond well to high expectations, behaving calmly and respectfully in lessons.
- Reading is a high priority, with rigorous support ensuring pupils achieve well and develop a “love of reading.”
- The curriculum is broad and sequential, allowing pupils to develop interests and prepare for the future.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well supported” by trained staff who provide scaffolded tasks.
- Leaders prioritise staff well-being, and governors share the same values and vision for the school.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, curriculum plans are “quite broad,” making it harder for non-specialist teachers to plan precise steps of knowledge and assess understanding accurately.
- Not all pupils with SEND have “individual and specific targets,” which makes it difficult for teachers to adapt planning and for leaders to measure progress.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff trained to identify vulnerable pupils and report concerns quickly, although leaders intend to centralise records to improve information retrieval.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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