Thorn Grove Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Thorn Grove, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5LDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Thorn Grove Primary School is a primary school in Bishop's Stortford for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 13th of 22 primary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 9 May 2019, report published 9 June 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

Pupils arrive at school happy and excited in the morning. They look forward eagerly to the learning challenges that their teachers have in store for them. Pupils learn an ambitious curriculum that is enriched by a wide variety of interesting extra-curricular experiences. Pupils usually behave extremely well. They apply themselves to their learning, working hard and with enthusiasm. Pupils develop a good understanding of the subjects that they study. They often talk keenly and confidently about their learning. The school is warm and welcoming. Pupils are respectful of other people's cultures and lifestyles. Differences are celebrated. Pupils talk positively about signing their 'school pledge' to be kind to each other. Pupils say that each person is included and respected here. They are passionate about championing the rights of everyone. This helps them feel safe and valued. Pupils get along well with one another. They learn how to manage any disagreements maturely and the school gives them strategies to use if they fall out with their friends. This means that pupils are resilient and cope well if things go wrong. If they are unable to resolve their problems, their teachers are quick to respond with the help they need. Pupils also appreciate the time to talk with staff if they are feeling upset or worried.

What the school should improve

  • The school's expectations for the quality of pupils' written work, including handwriting, are not high enough. Pupils do not get enough opportunities to extend their writing skills across the curriculum. As a result, the quality of pupils' writing is too variable and sometimes lacks depth and detail. There are too few opportunities for pupils to develop their ideas. The school should ensure that pupils have more opportunities to improve and practise their writing so that it is of a consistently high quality across the curriculum.
  • A small group of pupils is persistently absent. This impacts the learning of these pupils, and they miss some opportunities for learning and well-being provided by the school. The school should strengthen its efforts to secure the regular attendance of all pupils.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

30 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths60%

60%, 2 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths10%

10%, 2 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score105

105, the same as the England average.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

223 pupils on roll, with places for 240

Eligible for free school meals18.8%

18.8%, 7.7 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language26.9%

26.9%, 5.3 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support11.7%

11.7%, 3.1 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.7%

2.7%, 3.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Thorn Grove Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Summercroft Primary School0.7 milesOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
All Saints Church of England Primary School and Nursery, Bishop's Stortford0.8 milesOfsted: Good61% met the expected standard
Thorley Hill Primary School0.8 milesOfsted: Good87% met the expected standard
St Michael's Church of England Primary School0.8 milesOfsted: Good68% met the expected standard
Windhill210.8 milesOfsted: 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
Mr Pete Luck
Address
Thorn Grove, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5LD
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
117277

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.