Hatfield Community Free School

About Hatfield Community Free School

Hatfield Community Free School’s Key Stage 2 results sit noticeably below the Hertfordshire average for primary schools. While the local authority average for pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined is 64%, this school achieves 55%. That gap of nine percentage points places it 237th out of 401 primary schools in the county, and 26th out of 34 in the Welwyn Hatfield borough. The school’s ranking score of 55 puts it in the bottom half nationally, though it’s worth noting that the data comes from the 2023/24 academic year. On the positive side, individual subject scores are more mixed: 74% of pupils meet the expected standard in maths (above the national average of around 73%), and average scaled scores of 105 in maths and 106 in reading are solid. The proportion reaching the higher standard in reading (36%) and maths (31%) is respectable, but the combined figure for all three subjects at the higher level drops to just 5%.

The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in March 2025, rated it Good across all four graded areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Early years provision was also judged Good. This represents a change from the school’s previous inspection in 2014, when it was rated Outstanding overall. The Parent View survey, based on 42 responses collected between September 2024 and September 2025, shows strong support in several areas: 83% of parents agree or strongly agree their child is happy, and 88% feel their child is safe. However, there are notable splits. On whether concerns are dealt with properly, 29% disagree and 26% strongly disagree, while 30% strongly disagree that SEND children receive the support they need. The school’s SEND provisions cover dyslexia, speech and language needs, autistic spectrum disorder, and social and emotional mental health support.

Hatfield Community Free School is a state primary for mixed genders aged 4 to 11, with no religious character. It is heavily oversubscribed: for 2025/26 entry, there were 140 applications for 54 places, a ratio of 2.59 applicants per place, and all 35 first-preference applicants received offers. The school is almost at capacity with 418 pupils against a 420-place limit, and 22.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Facilities include a Forest School, art studios, a gymnasium, library, sports hall, playing fields, and an outdoor playground. Clubs on offer include chess, art, film, science and gardening, while sports range from gymnastics and swimming to football and cricket. This school may suit families who value a Good-rated, oversubscribed local option with strong parent satisfaction on happiness and safety, but who are aware that academic outcomes are below the LA average and that some parents have expressed concerns about SEND support and how concerns are handled.

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