Classpot

Applecroft School

Welwyn Hatfield, AL8 6JZPrimaryAges 3–11MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Nov 2023
KS2 Results
75%
meeting expected standard in RWM
Competition
1.4×
Oversubscribed
82 1st-choice / 59 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#2595 of 13,686 nationally

About Applecroft School

Applecroft School is a state primary in Welwyn Hatfield that is running at full capacity with 452 pupils against a published capacity of 450, and the demand to get in is intense. For the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 216 applications for just 59 places, an oversubscription ratio of 3. 66, meaning nearly four families applied for every spot. Of those, 82 were first-preference applications, and only 57 first-preference offers were made, so even putting it top of your list is no guarantee. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals sits at 10. 8%, which is below the national average for primary schools and suggests a relatively affluent intake. The school has a nursery provision, so families can join from age three, and it is mixed and non-denominational. Headteacher Lisa Withe leads a school that has clearly built a strong local reputation, given how heavily oversubscribed it is.

Key Details

School TypePrimary (State)
Age Range3 to 11 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressApplecroft Road, Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn Hatfield, AL8 6JZ
HeadteacherLisa Withe
Local AuthorityHertfordshire
Number of Pupils452
Free School Meals (FSM)10.8%
School Capacity452 / 450 (100% full)
Nursery ClassesYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

28 Nov 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Good
Early Years Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 24 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguagePhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Applecroft School

Applecroft School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.