The Grove Junior School
Harpenden, AL5 1QB · Hertfordshire · primary school
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42nd 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 — 9.0/10 against 3,930 of them, against 9.0/10 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 | 82.0 · 90 | 40% | 3.62 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 25% | 2.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Grove Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 82.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 19.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.0 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 350 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about The Grove Junior School
Overview
The Grove Junior School continues to be a good school, providing a calm and respectful atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that is generally well ordered, enabling teachers to build effectively on previous knowledge and support pupils in becoming confident, independent learners.
Strengths
- Pupils thrive in a "warm and caring" environment, living up to school values of "Respect, Responsibility, Resilience" and supporting one another.
- Reading is taught well, with staff using phonics expertise and careful progress checks to help pupils become "fluent, confident readers who enjoy reading."
- Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, explain concepts clearly, and use assessment effectively to identify and correct gaps in learning.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "carefully adapted teaching" and benefit from the same broad curriculum as their classmates.
- Leaders provide a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, including clubs and performances, ensuring pupils grow "personally as well as academically."
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, leaders have not clearly identified the precise knowledge pupils need, meaning curriculum thinking is "less clear" and teachers lack guidance on what to teach and when.
- Leaders must develop all curriculum plans so it is clear "what to teach and when, including key vocabulary," to ensure important subject knowledge is taught in the correct order and depth.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to spot concerns and leaders responding quickly to ensure pupils receive appropriate support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 82% |
| 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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