Hormead Church of England (VA) First School
Great Hormead, Buntingford, SG9 0NROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Hormead Church of England (VA) First School is a primary school in Buntingford for ages 2 to 9. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 May 2024, report published 27 June 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 23 May 2024
Pupils are safe and happy at this warm and welcoming school. They enjoy learning in this countryside setting and appreciate the magnificent views of fields surrounding their school. They are proud of their school community. The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Adults adapt learning well to support pupils during lessons. This means that pupils with SEND can learn alongside their peers in class. Pupils demonstrate their core Christian values, including love, courage, resilience, honesty and cooperation. Unkind behaviour is rare. Concerns are followed up quickly. Pupils show great care for each other. Pupils play respectfully together at play and lunchtimes. Older pupils are role models for their younger friends. Positive relationships and friendships are important here. Pupils are quick to spot others using the 'Buddy Bench'. This is where pupils go if they want someone to play with. Some pupils have additional responsibilities, such as digital leaders or worship councillors. Pupils experience a wide range of activities. The school carefully plans these to support pupils' wider development. For example, older pupils challenge themselves with adventurous activities on their residential visit. Pupils know the importance of healthy eating and exercise.
What the school should improve
- The school has recently introduced a new curriculum in a small number of subjects. Teachers are delivering these new approaches for the first time. They are still getting used to some of the new subject knowledge and how best to deliver it. Leaders should ensure teachers are trained in the best approaches to deliver this new learning and leaders and governors should fully evaluate the impact of these changes on pupils' learning.
- A small group of pupils miss too much time in school. This has a negative impact on their learning. These pupils also miss out on the opportunities for well-being and personal development provided by the school. The school should strengthen its efforts to secure the regular attendance of all pupils.
Pupil numbers and mix
143 pupils on roll, with places for 109
Schools near Hormead Church of England (VA) First School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anstey First School | 2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Not published |
| Layston Church of England First School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Not published |
| Buntingford First School | 2 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| Millfield First and Nursery School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Edwinstree Church of England Middle School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 43% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 2 to 9
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Lynda Cowler
- Phone
- 01763289201
- Address
- Great Hormead, Buntingford, SG9 0NR
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 117439
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.