St Mary's CofE Primary School, Northchurch

About St Mary's CofE Primary School, Northchurch

Parents considering St Mary's CofE Primary School in Northchurch will find a school that is clearly popular with local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 75 applications for just 30 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.5. Of those 75 applications, 26 were first-preference choices, and 24 of those families were offered a place. That level of demand suggests a strong reputation among parents who know the area well. The school is a Church of England primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 3 to 11, with a nursery on site. It currently has 225 pupils on roll against a capacity of 240, so there is a little breathing room, but not much. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 9.2%, which is below the national average and points to a relatively affluent catchment. The headteacher is Sarah Gray, who leads a school that has held a Good rating from Ofsted since at least its 2014 graded inspection.

Academically, St Mary's performs solidly above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 71% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Hertfordshire average of 64%. That places the school 10th out of 47 primary schools in the Dacorum local authority area, putting it in the top 50% nationally. Looking at individual subjects, reading was a particular strength: 83% of pupils met the expected standard and 38% achieved a higher standard, with an average scaled score of 107. Maths also performed well, with 92% reaching the expected standard and an average score of 105. Writing saw 83% at expected and 17% at a higher level. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 was an ungraded visit that confirmed it 'remains Good', with leadership and management also rated Good. The previous graded inspection in 2014 gave the same overall rating, so there is a consistent track record.

The school offers a good range of facilities for a primary of its size, including an ICT suite, library, music rooms, art studios, a sports hall, gymnasium, playing fields and a chapel. Sports provision covers football, cricket, swimming, athletics, cross country, rounders and netball, and there are clubs for art, drama, film and science. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists support for a wide range of SEND categories, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, dyslexia, visual impairment and social, emotional and mental health needs. Given its oversubscription, families living within the catchment area or with a strong church connection will have the best chance of securing a place. It is a school that suits parents who value solid academic results, a Christian character and a broad extracurricular offer, all within a village setting in Dacorum.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About St Mary's CofE Primary School, Northchurch

Helpful Guides for Parents