Roundwood Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 11
Report card: Expected standard to strong standard

Roundwood Park, Harpenden, AL5 3ADOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Roundwood Primary School is a primary school in Harpenden for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 8th of 10 primary schools in Harpenden. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in January 2026.

Ofsted report card

Inspected 20 January 2026, report published 26 March 2026

Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.

Inclusion
Expected standard
Curriculum and teaching
Strong standard
Achievement
Expected standard
Attendance and behaviour
Expected standard
Personal development and wellbeing
Strong standard
Leadership and governance
Expected standard
Early years
Expected standard
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils love to learn because teachers make lessons interesting. They understand that learning new ideas is important for their future education. Pupils work hard. This is because staff have high expectations. Pupils write with care and purpose. This, and their sensible behaviour in class, demonstrates pupils' positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils achieve well from their starting points. They are ready for their next educational stage. Pupils behave well as they move around the school and during social times. Routines are well established, pupils follow them consistently. This includes the youngest children in the school, who clearly understand the expectations of them. There are few instances of bullying. If it does occur, pupils know staff will deal with it effectively. Pupils have positive relationships with each other and with staff. As a result, the school is harmonious. Pupils thrive and feel safe. Pupils look forward to coming to school because they feel valued. Consequently, they attend well. Pupils enjoy a wide range of enrichment opportunities. These activities are planned so that all pupils can take part. Clubs, sports, and creative activities allow pupils to explore their talents, like playing the steel pans. Pupils are proud to represent the school, whether in competitions or through roles that help improve school life. These roles, such as the school council, help pupils to feel that they are an important part of the school community. Pupils thrive on praise. They work hard each week to earn recognition. Celebration assemblies are a highlight. Many aim to achieve the 'top banana award,' which inspires them to always try their best. Pupils develop an understanding of world religions. They learn how and why people celebrate in different ways. This helps them show respect and tolerance towards each other. They know that differences make the school a richer place. They learn about democracy and the law. This prepares them successfully for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders, including those responsible for governance, should continue to develop greater precision in their oversight, including the focus on some disadvantaged pupils and some children in the early years, so that they can strengthen the impact of their actions and secure consistently high standards across the school’s work. • Leaders should more closely analyse the performance of different vulnerable groups of pupils, so they can more accurately identify priorities to continue to improve their attendance.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

45 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths69%

69%, 7 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths9%

9%, 1 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score112

112, 6 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score110

110, 5 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score112

112, 7 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

338 pupils on roll, with places for 339

Eligible for free school meals2.7%

2.7%, 23.8 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language10.9%

10.9%, 10.7 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support9.8%

9.8%, 5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.1%

2.1%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Roundwood Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Hilda's School0.3 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Good91% met the expected standard
Wood End School0.6 milesOfsted: Outstanding80% met the expected standard
Harpenden Academy0.8 milesOfsted: Good81% met the expected standard
The Lea Primary School and Nursery1 mileOfsted judgements: Outstanding70% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Kate Hooft
Address
Roundwood Park, Harpenden, AL5 3AD
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
117211

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.