Hartsbourne Primary School

About Hartsbourne Primary School

Hartsbourne Primary School’s headline metrics place it comfortably above the Hertfordshire local authority average for primary schools. While the LA average for pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined (RWM) sits at 64%, Hartsbourne achieves 73% — a nine-point advantage that puts it in the top 25% of schools nationally on this measure. The school ranks 7th out of 29 primaries in the Hertsmere borough, placing it in the top quarter locally. Its Progress 8 scores are not available in the data, but the raw attainment figures tell a clear story: reading and maths average scores of 109 and 108 respectively are strong, and the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading (90%) and maths (87%) is notably high. This suggests a school where most children are meeting or exceeding age-related expectations, particularly in reading, where half of all pupils achieved the higher standard.

In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024, Hartsbourne was rated Good overall, with personal development judged Outstanding — the only category to reach that top tier. The inspection report notes that behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and the quality of education are all Good, while early years provision is also Good. Compared with its previous inspection in 2016, the school has maintained its Good rating across the board, with personal development improving from a Good to an Outstanding judgement. The school’s KS2 results reinforce this picture: 33% of pupils achieved the higher standard in maths, 50% in reading, and 33% in writing. With only 6.9% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is relatively advantaged, but the school’s performance still exceeds the LA average by a meaningful margin, suggesting effective teaching and strong pupil engagement.

Hartsbourne is a smaller-than-average primary with 190 pupils against a capacity of 234, and it offers nursery provision for children from age 3. The school is oversubscribed: for 2025/26 entry, there were 76 applications for 26 places, with 19 first-preference offers made — a ratio of nearly three applicants per place. Facilities include an ICT suite, sports hall, playing fields, music rooms, a library and a chapel, and the school runs clubs such as chess, choir, film club and book club. Sports on offer include football, cricket, netball, swimming and rounders. SEND provision covers specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech, language and communication needs, social and emotional mental health needs, and other difficulties or disabilities. For families seeking a Hertsmere primary with strong academic outcomes and a personal development focus rated Outstanding, Hartsbourne is a competitive choice — though securing a place will require a first-preference application given the oversubscription.

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