Velmead Junior School

About Velmead Junior School

Parents considering Velmead Junior School will find a school that is clearly well-regarded locally. While the data does not include a specific parent recommendation percentage, the school’s popularity is evident from its near-full capacity of 384 pupils, with 382 currently enrolled. This suggests strong demand among Hart families for a Year 3 to Year 6 mixed state primary. The school is led by headteacher Andy Howard and sits within the Hampshire local authority. Its most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in 2023, confirmed that the school remains Good, a rating it has held consistently since its previous graded inspection in 2013. For parents, this stability in quality is a reassuring signal, and the school’s oversubscription level indicates that many local families are actively choosing it over other options in the area.

Academically, Velmead Junior School performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 81% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the Hampshire local authority average of 61%. The school also excels at stretching its pupils: 25% achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, with particularly strong results in maths, where 49% reached the higher threshold and the average scaled score was 109. Reading and writing both saw 91% of pupils meeting the expected standard, and 46% achieved higher in reading. These outcomes place Velmead 2nd out of 18 schools in the Hart district, and within the top 10% nationally. Progress scores are not available in the data, but the attainment figures alone paint a picture of a school where most children leave Year 6 comfortably above the national baseline.

The school offers a practical range of facilities and activities that support both learning and personal development. These include a Forest School, art studios, a sensory room, and an outdoor playground, plus a dining hall and chapel. Sports provision covers football, rounders, cross country, cricket and gymnastics, while clubs include choir, drama and science club. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists support for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. With 7.9% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is broadly representative of the local community. Velmead is a good fit for families who want a well-performing, oversubscribed junior school with strong core results and a solid range of enrichment, without the pressure of a selective or faith-based entry criteria.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Velmead Junior School

Helpful Guides for Parents