Preston Primary School, Hitchin

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Preston Primary School. Being the headteacher of such a caring and vibrant school is a privilege. I am proud of a school where the pupils, parents, staff, governors and the wider community work together to provide the best possible education for all our pupils. At the heart of everything that we do, is our motto: 'love, learn, aspire'."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 64% of Year 6 pupils at Preston Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 55% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 79% and 76% in Hertfordshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 91% in reading and 73% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 6 families put Preston Primary School as their first choice and 18 named it as one of their preferences, for 7 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Preston Primary School are St Ippolyts Church of England Aided Primary School (2 miles, Good, 81% reading, 84% maths); St Paul's Walden Primary School (2.1 miles, Good, 86% reading, 71% maths); Breachwood Green Junior Mixed and Infant School (2.3 miles, Good, 71% reading, 71% maths); and Whitehill Junior School (2.5 miles, Good, 83% reading, 82% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Preston Primary School.

3.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 3.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (92%) and Mixed (7%).

In 2026, 9 pupils (15%) received SEN support and 4 (6.7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is autism.

Preston Primary School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 10 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Preston Primary School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Red Lion PH (outside), 240 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Hertfordshire (138).

Preston Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.