Pirton School
77%
Capacity
135
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Pirton School
Pirton School is a small state primary in North Hertfordshire, currently teaching 135 pupils against a capacity of 175, so there is room to grow. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 17.8%, which is above the national average for primary schools and suggests a more diverse intake than some of its local peers. Demand is clear: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 29 applications for 20 places, with all 20 first-preference families offered a spot. That oversubscription ratio of 1.45 indicates a school that local families actively want, even if it isn't the biggest or most famous in the area. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, taking children from age 4 to 11, and is led by headteacher Jenn Magdeburg.
Academically, Pirton presents a mixed picture. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 50% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — well below the local authority average of 64% and placing the school 33rd out of 38 primary schools in North Hertfordshire. However, individual subject results are stronger: 92% met the expected standard in reading, 83% in writing, and 67% in maths. Reading and maths average scores of 107 and 105 respectively are both above the national benchmark of 100. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2023 rated overall effectiveness as Requires Improvement, though the breakdown shows Good ratings for early years provision, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management. The quality of education was the specific area flagged as requiring improvement.
The school offers a solid range of facilities including a sensory room, music rooms, and a chapel, plus sports like netball, football, cricket, and gymnastics. Clubs include chess, science, gardening, art, choir, and coding. SEND provision is a clear strength, with support for specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia), speech and language needs, hearing impairment, social and emotional mental health needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. For families considering alternatives, the nearest Outstanding-rated primary is Samuel Lucas Junior Mixed and Infant School, 4.1 km away. Pirton is a good fit for parents who value a small, community-focused school with strong pastoral care and SEND support, and who are comfortable with a school that is actively working to improve its academic outcomes after a recent Ofsted rating dip.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | High Street, Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, SG5 3PS |
| Headteacher | Jenn Magdeburg |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 135 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.8% |
| School Capacity | 135 / 175 (77% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Oct 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 28 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (50%)
10925th of 13,686
Nationally
1212th of 1,612
In East of England
33rd of 38
In North Hertfordshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
50%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
50%
'23/24
50%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
5Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed20
29
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
20 families put this school as their 1st choice (69% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Class profile
2024/25Better than 75% of schools in England.
Better than 75% of schools in England.
Lower is generally better — fewer pupils per teacher or per class means more individual attention. Sources: DfE School Workforce Census & Schools, pupils and their characteristics, 2024/25.
Pupils & demographics
2024/25Below the national average (25%).
Below most schools — predominantly English as first language.
Ethnic background
- White British81.5%
- Mixed11.0%
- White (other)3.0%
- Asian2.2%
Source: DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics (2024/25). Percentages may not sum to 100% — pupils classified as “unclassified”, “refused” or minor categories are not shown.
Attendance & Behaviour
2024/25Better than half of schools in England.
Better than half of schools in England.
Pupils missing 10% or more of sessions.
Half of schools in England do better than this.
A pupil temporarily sent home for behaviour.
Like most schools in England, no pupils were permanently excluded this year.
Ranks vs all state-funded schools in England. Source: DfE Pupil absence in schools & Suspensions and permanent exclusions.
Catchment & Local Competition
419 mstraight line
Green ring on the map shows the effective catchment for 2026/27. Check your address below.
Schools within 1 mile (reference area)
1
Total schools
1
Oversubscribed
1
Primary
Cutoff distances vary year to year and apply only to applicants who reach the distance criterion. Faith, sibling, and SEND priorities take precedence.
Was this page helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions About Pirton School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
High Street, Hitchin
North Hertfordshire, SG5 3PS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
