Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School, Hemel Hempstead
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Overall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Holtsmere End excels at teaching children to read with confidence and fluency through a structured phonics approach that staff deliver with real enthusiasm. The school creates a warm, welcoming environment where pupils feel they belong and staff know them well, supporting their emotional needs with genuine care. Children progress through carefully planned early years provision with smooth transitions, building the knowledge and skills they need for success in Year 1.
Key Strengths
- Teaching of phonics and reading is especially strong with pupils learning to read with confidence and fluency
- Early years provision is prioritised with careful curriculum design and smooth transitions from Nursery through Reception
- Inclusive approach with early identification of pupil needs and consistent support methods for all learners
- Staff build positive relationships with pupils and provide caring pastoral support
- Leadership provides clear direction and promotes professional learning among staff
Areas for Improvement
- Attendance is below average nationally with higher-than-usual rates of persistent absence, though improvements are starting to show
- Teaching consistency in writing and mathematics needs to develop further
- Subject knowledge for some staff in a small number of areas still being developed
- Pupils' understanding of different beliefs, cultures and democracy is an area marked for attention
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met. Leaders have established an open culture of safeguarding where concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Clubs, trips including beach visit, visits to different places of worship
Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School provides education at the expected standard with particular strengths in phonics and reading. The school has established a safe, welcoming environment where pupils feel they belong and behave well.
At a Glance
20.8%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
Yes
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
27.6
Avg class size
29.3
Infant (KS1)
5
Total classes
1 class with more than 30 pupils
1 unlawfully large infant class
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
112%
Over capacity
201 pupils
180 capacity
21 places over capacity
Area Demand Pressure - Hemel Hempstead
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Hemel Hempstead
Admissions Demand - Hertfordshire
Places available
14,951
Applications
12,834
Got 1st preference
88.0%
Got preferred school
98.2%
Primary admissions across Hertfordshire (2025/26)
Inspection History(107)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
7.71921%
Overall absence
21.42857%
Persistent absence
126
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
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Secondary Schools Nearby
Secondary schools pupils are likely to move to
Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School
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