Reed First School
113%
Capacity
68
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Reed First School
Reed First School is a small state primary in North Hertfordshire that clearly appeals to local families, with 27 applications for just 12 places in the 2025/26 admissions round. That oversubscription ratio of 2.25 to one is a strong signal of parent demand, and it's backed up by the fact that 16 of those applications were first-preference choices. The school's headteacher, Victoria Wittich, leads a community of just 68 pupils aged three to nine, which is actually above its official capacity of 60. With nursery provision on site and a very low proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 6.7%, the intake skews towards families who are actively choosing this school over others in the area.
Academically, Reed First School holds a consistent Good rating from Ofsted, with its most recent graded inspection in October 2022 awarding Good across all five categories: overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The early years provision also earned a Good mark. This is a school that has maintained its Good rating since at least the previous inspection in 2013, when leadership and management were also judged Good. While the school does not publish Key Stage 2 results in this data, the local authority average for KS2 attainment sits at 64, and Hertfordshire has 45 outstanding primary schools out of 401 total, so Reed is performing solidly within a competitive landscape.
The school offers a practical range of facilities including an ICT suite, playing fields, art studios, a sports hall, music rooms, a gymnasium, dining hall, and a chapel. Sports provision covers rounders, athletics, gymnastics, dance, football, cricket, and swimming, while clubs include Eco Club, Gardening, and Chess. For families with children who need extra support, the school lists SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, social emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. Given its small size, oversubscribed status, and strong parent demand, this is a school best suited to families who live close enough to secure a place and value a tight-knit, community-focused primary with consistent Good outcomes.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 9 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Jacksons Lane, Royston, North Hertfordshire, SG8 8AB |
| Headteacher | Victoria Wittich |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 68 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 6.7% |
| School Capacity | 68 / 60 (113% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
18 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 5 Dec 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed12
27
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
16 families put this school as their 1st choice (59% 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
2024/25Lower-disadvantage intake compared to the national average (25%).
Lower than the national median (10%) — mostly English as first language.
Ethnic background
- White British86.8%
- Mixed7.3%
- White (other)5.9%
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 75% of schools in England.
Better than 75% of schools in England.
Pupils missing 10% or more of sessions.
Better than 75% of schools in England.
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
1.25 kmstraight 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reed First 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
Jacksons Lane, Royston
North Hertfordshire, SG8 8AB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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