St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School
Harpenden, AL5 2TP · Hertfordshire · primary school
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92nd 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 2,075 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9/10 among them, against 7.6/10 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 | 91.0 · 98 | 41% | 3.99 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.76 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 26% | 1.02 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 91.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 5.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9 out of 10 among them, against 7.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a chess club and participate in football, netball, cross-country, tag rugby, rounders, Kwik cricket, and athletics. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 149 pupils against a stated capacity of 154. 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 not reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the after-school provision? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School
Overview
St Nicholas C of E VA Primary School is described as a “very happy school” where pupils are “polite, friendly, and enthusiastic about learning.” Leaders have established a “safe and caring community” with a “purposeful atmosphere” in lessons, ensuring pupils develop their characters through a wide range of opportunities. The report confirms the school continues to be good, noting that staff are positive about the collaborative culture and workload management.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a “nurturing environment” that fosters a “love of learning,” with bullying being rare and behaviour remaining calm.
- Teachers use assessment effectively, revisiting prior learning to help pupils “confidently build up what they know and can do over time.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive effective support, accessing the full curriculum and achieving well.
- Leaders promote reading successfully, with older pupils talking about their books with pleasure and leaders liaising well with parents.
- Governors are rigorous regarding safeguarding and ask “thoughtful and probing questions” about the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- Not all staff supporting early readers are well trained in phonics; leaders must ensure all staff are trained effectively so younger pupils learn to read quicker.
- In a few curriculum areas, such as history, leaders do not plan knowledge precisely enough; leaders must plan the curriculum equally well in all subjects to ensure pupils make connections between different parts of their learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, supported by a “strong culture of safeguarding” and a “caring and diligent pastoral care focus.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 91% |
| 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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