Samuel Lucas Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 4 to 11
Ofsted: Outstanding

Gaping Lane, Hitchin, SG5 2JQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Samuel Lucas Primary School is a primary school in Hitchin for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 1st of 22 primary schools in Hitchin. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in October 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 3 October 2023, report published 20 November 2023

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 October 2023

Pupils thrive at this vibrant school. They are proud to be part of the Samuel Lucas community and come to school happily every day. Adults are highly ambitious for every pupil. They expect pupils to work hard and behave well. Adults make these expectations clear with kindness and consistency. Lessons are fun, and this motivates pupils to try their very best. They listen attentively and are eager to learn. Pupils achieve very well. This includes pupils who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There are many high-quality activities that enrich pupils' time at school. All pupils learn to play a musical instrument. They take part in rich musical experiences, such as a gala at the Royal Albert Hall. Pupils are encouraged to be as active as possible at breaktimes. The sports leaders lead a popular weekly dance session on the playground. Pupils celebrate difference and treat others with respect. They know the many ways in which people are different. They learn important values of kindness, perseverance, and resilience, which they show in their everyday lives. Adults encourage them to have high aspirations. Pupils are extremely well prepared for their future lives.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

59 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths75%

75%, 13 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths25%

25%, 17 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score110

110, 4 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score108

108, 3 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

416 pupils on roll, with places for 420

Eligible for free school meals5.5%

5.5%, 21 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language8.4%

8.4%, 13.2 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support9.6%

9.6%, 5.2 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.8%

3.8%, 2.2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Samuel Lucas Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Wilshere-Dacre Junior Academy0.3 milesOfsted: Good70% met the expected standard
Oughton Primary and Nursery School0.4 milesOfsted: Good48% met the expected standard
Highbury Infant School and Nursery0.7 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Strathmore Infant and Nursery School0.8 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
St Andrew's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, Hitchin0.9 milesOfsted: Outstanding68% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Miss Helen Brind
Address
Gaping Lane, Hitchin, SG5 2JQ
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
117337

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.