St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School
Hatfield, AL10 8NN · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
291st 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 — 1.1/10 against 2,740 of them, against 1.5/10 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 | 42.0 · 10 | 40% | 0.38 |
| 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 Philip Howard Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 42.0% 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%. 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 (1.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Dance Club, Chess Club, Irish Dancing, or the Film makers' club. They take part in the Daily Mile and visit Friendship House, the Food Bank, the cinema, and Greenacres Care Home.
Getting in
The published school roll is 438 pupils against a stated capacity of 469. 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 maths? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment to the national median?
What Ofsted said about St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "warm and caring" environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The report highlights "exceptional" behaviour, a strong sense of community rooted in shared Catholic values, and high-quality support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exceptional" behaviour, being "kind and respectful" with rare distractions in lessons.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with particularly effective teaching in mathematics and early reading.
- Staff provide "care and nurturing support," helping pupils develop resilience, confidence, and a "‘can-do’ attitude".
- SEND needs are identified "quickly and accurately," with bespoke support enabling these pupils to "thrive at school".
- The programme for wider development is "exemplary," including leadership roles, clubs, and a focus on well-being.
Areas to improve
- In "a few foundation subjects," teachers sometimes select activities that do not enable pupils to build on prior learning, causing them to repeat known content and slowing progress.
- The school should provide training so that activities in these subjects allow pupils to "learn something new or to consolidate their learning."
Safeguarding
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 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 42% |
| 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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