St Paul's Walden Primary School
Hitchin, SG4 8HX · Hertfordshire · primary school
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195th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.4/10 against 2,592 of them, against 4.6/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| 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.
St Paul's Walden Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 74 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 who have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between expected and higher standards?
What Ofsted said about St Paul's Walden Primary School
Overview
Pupils attend a school where they become "positive, resilient individuals" who feel "happy, safe and valued." Leaders have successfully improved the curriculum and resolved previous shortfalls, resulting in steady progress in reading and a "nurturing environment." The school fosters strong community links and high attendance, with staff working effectively as a team to support pupil development.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate confidence in core subjects, "confidently reading the books they receive" and "calculating accurately in mathematics."
- Leaders have established effective parental engagement through events such as "monthly drop-in" sessions and "termly open class events."
- The curriculum is "sensibly compiled" with "high-quality schemes of work," ensuring staff clarity on what to teach.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "achieve soundly," benefiting from staff training and effective networking.
- Behaviour is "calm and orderly," with pupils responding well to a clear system of rewards and sanctions.
Areas to improve
- The "open-ended approach to assessment in some subjects" fails to capture learning efficiently, preventing teachers from identifying knowledge gaps.
- Support for pupils with SEND requires refinement, as some targets "lack a clear measure" to gauge progress and adjust support effectively.
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 | 45% |
| 2023/24 | 38% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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