The Lea Primary School and Nursery
Harpenden, AL5 4LE · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
135th 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 4,223 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0/10 among them, against 6.0/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 62% | 4.02 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Lea Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in pantomime and visit the Royal Albert Hall, alongside trips to Mead Open Farm, Willows Farm, Hertfordshire Zoo, London Zoo, the Natural History Museum, Tring College Lakes, Whipsnade Zoo, and Woburn Safari Park.
Getting in
The published school roll is 239 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 curriculum support pupils who do not reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading or maths?
What Ofsted said about The Lea Primary School and Nursery
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "proud to attend" and demonstrate "excellent attitudes to their learning." Leaders have established an "ambitious" curriculum that ensures all pupils, including those with special educational needs, achieve exceptionally well in a "calm learning environment."
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "exemplary" behaviour, taking responsibility for their actions and managing emotions "extremely well."
- The curriculum is carefully sequenced, breaking knowledge into "small chunks" so pupils can build on prior learning step by step.
- Staff are "skilled at checking what pupils know" and address gaps or misconceptions immediately, leading to "excellent recall."
- Reading is prioritised from the start, with teachers making it "fun and enjoyable" and using targeted support sessions for those needing help.
- Pupils benefit from a "wide variety of opportunities" beyond the curriculum, including clubs and educational visits that deepen classroom learning.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 93% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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