The Grove Infant and Nursery School
Dark Lane, Harpenden, AL5 1QDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Grove Infant and Nursery School is a primary school in Harpenden for ages 3 to 7. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in November 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 7 November 2023, report published 17 December 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 7 November 2023
Pupils are happy and enthusiastic learners. They enjoy all their lessons and take part in learning with great enthusiasm. Pupils are treated with kindness and care by all staff members. As a result, they feel safe and are safe. Pupils are confident to share any worries they have. They trust school staff. Pupils learn a broad curriculum. They remember their learning in each subject because teachers guide them to make connections and build on their previous learning. As a result, they can have meaningful discussions about interesting topics. For instance, they used what they have learned to explain why they would not want to live on the moon. Pupils leave very well prepared for learning successfully in junior school. Staff's high expectations help pupils to behave exceptionally well. At wet playtime, pupils are calm and often choose to complete tasks based on their current class learning. This is due to their interest in their learning. Pupils are keen and happy to play with a wide friendship group. Pupils can choose to take part in a wide variety of clubs. This enables them to find out what their interests and talents are. Pupils know that everyone is unique and that this should be shared and celebrated.
Pupil numbers and mix
243 pupils on roll, with places for 270
Schools near The Grove Infant and Nursery School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Grove Junior School | 0.1 miles | Ofsted: Good | 82% met the expected standard |
| Aldwickbury School | 0.3 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| High Beeches Primary School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 80% met the expected standard |
| Crabtree Infants' School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
| Crabtree Junior School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 86% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 7
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Ms Andrea Sharkey
- Phone
- 01582761849
- Address
- Dark Lane, Harpenden, AL5 1QD
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 117281
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.