Shephalbury Park Primary School

About Shephalbury Park Primary School

Shephalbury Park Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 87 applications for just 28 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.11. Of those, 32 were first-preference applications, and 26 first-preference offers were made. This level of demand suggests parents are actively choosing the school, and the data backs that up. In its most recent Ofsted inspection, the school was rated Good overall, but inspectors awarded Outstanding for both personal development and behaviour and attitudes. That’s a strong signal that parents can expect a positive, well-managed environment where children feel safe and supported. The school has held a Good rating across both its recent inspections, with leadership and management also rated Good. With a headteacher in place and a clear focus on pupil wellbeing, it’s a school that seems to deliver on the pastoral front.

Academically, the picture is more mixed. At Key Stage 2, 30% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well below the local authority average of 64%. The school ranks 19th out of 19 primary schools in Stevenage on this measure, placing it in the bottom 50 nationally. However, individual subject scores tell a slightly different story. Reading was a relative strength, with 80% of pupils reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 105. Maths was weaker, with 57% at the expected standard and an average score of 100. Only 3% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, though 23% reached the higher standard in reading alone. The school’s Progress 8 scores are not available, so it’s hard to say how much value the school adds, but the raw outcomes suggest that while reading is a clear strength, maths and writing need more support.

The school offers a range of facilities that add practical value for families, including a Forest School, a sensory room and an ICT suite. There’s a nursery provision for children from age three, which is a helpful option for working parents. The school also lists specific SEND provisions covering dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language communication, and autistic spectrum disorder. This suggests the school is equipped to support a range of additional needs. Clubs include gardening, coding, eco club and drama, and sports on offer are football, athletics, swimming and dance. With 227 pupils against a capacity of 210, the school is slightly over capacity, and 21.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. This is a school that suits families who prioritise a strong pastoral environment and a broad range of activities, but who are also realistic about academic outcomes and may want to supplement learning at home.

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