5 Harpenden schools receive 'outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2024

Earlier this week, we rounded up five St Albans schools to receive the Ofsted seal of approval and now it's the turn of Harpenden.

1. Crabtree Junior School

Crabtree Junior School was rated Outstanding in January (Image: Ivy Learning Group) We start our roundup in January, with Crabtree Junior School.

Ofsted was full of praise for the school's leadership opportunities, pupil behaviour and curriculum.

The report also said: "Pupils behave in an exemplary manner. They have strikingly positive attitudes to their learning.

"They love sharing talents, be they musical, sporting or teaching others how to speak another language."

Read more about this report.

2. Wood End School

Wood End School also received an outstanding grade (Image: Wood End School) Wood End School was commended for providing a "broad and ambitious" curriculum that goes “above and beyond” in preparing pupils for the next stage of their education. 

Inspectors were full of praise for the schools attitude to diversity, saying: "Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs are demonstrated by all pupils. They want to learn from others."

Praise was also given to pupil development.

Read more about this report.

3. St Dominic Catholic Primary School

Ofsted has rated Harpenden's St Dominic Catholic Primary School as 'outstanding'. (Image: Google Maps / Ofsted / Canva) The third school to receive an 'outstanding' report was St Dominic Catholic Primary School.

The school's quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all given top marks by inspectors.

The report said: "Pupils are incredibly proud of their school.

"They feel safe in the calm, caring environment adults have created here. Pupils love learning."

Read more about this report.

4. Roundwood Park School

Roundwood Park School got top marks from Ofsted (Image: Roundwood Park School)

Roundwood Park School is next to be highlighted, with the headteacher "extremely proud" to be rated outstanding.

The report said: "A broad and rich curriculum prepares pupils exceptionally well for the next steps in their education, employment or training.

"As a result, they achieve the very highest outcomes throughout the school. "

Earlier this year, Headteacher Alan Henshall told the Herts Ad: "I am extremely proud of our staff, our students and the whole RPS community, as this is only something we can accomplish when we work together."

Read more about this report.

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5. Crabtree Infants School

Crabtree Infants' executive headteacher, Emma Simmons, with pupils. (Image: Ivy Learning Trust) We conclude our roundup with more good news for Crabtree, after their infant school joined the junior school in receiving an outstanding rating.

The report said: “This is a school where all pupils, including children in the early years, can flourish.

"The inclusive, calm and harmonious environment helps pupils to thrive. The school is aspirational. Pupils develop highly positive attitudes to their learning right from the start. "

Read more about this report.