Fair Field Junior School

About Fair Field Junior School

Fair Field Junior School in Hertsmere is a state primary for children aged 7 to 11, and its intake numbers suggest a school that is popular but not bursting at the seams. With 215 pupils on roll against a capacity of 240, there is a modest amount of spare places, which may give some families a realistic shot at securing a spot. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 19.1%, which is notably higher than the national primary average of around 23% but sits comfortably within the typical range for a mixed community in Hertfordshire. The school has no religious character and is led by headteacher Davinia Leggett. While the data does not include specific admission oversubscription figures, the fact that the school is not at full capacity suggests that demand, while healthy, is not as intense as at some neighbouring primaries. This could be a practical advantage for families who want a solid local option without the stress of a lottery-style admissions process.

Academically, Fair Field Junior School performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 73% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the Hertfordshire average of 64%. That places the school 6th out of 29 primaries in the Hertsmere area, putting it in the top 25% locally and around the top 23% nationally. Reading is a particular strength: the average scaled score was 108, with 50% of pupils achieving the higher standard. Maths also looks solid, with an average score of 106 and 30% hitting the higher benchmark. Writing is a relative weak spot, with only 14% reaching the higher standard, though 80% did meet the expected level. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2023 confirmed it remains Good, following a previous Outstanding rating in 2012. Leadership and management were also rated Good, and the ungraded inspection found no evidence of decline.

The school offers a decent range of facilities for a junior school of its size, including a sports hall, playing fields, a library, an ICT suite, music rooms and a forest school area. Clubs cover drama, coding and eco club, while sports provision includes football, gymnastics, cross country and cricket. For families with children who need extra support, the SEND register covers specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech and language needs, social and emotional mental health, physical disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary is Parkgate Junior School, about 4.1 km away, which may be a useful benchmark for parents comparing options. Fair Field is a good fit for families who want a well-regarded, non-denominational junior school with strong core results, a manageable intake and a practical range of enrichment activities, without the intense competition for places seen at some other local primaries.

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