Reed First School, Royston

Ofsted's report card from its 9 September 2026 inspection grades Reed First School on 7 areas: 2 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Pupils are happy, settled and enjoy being part of the school community."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), those eligible for pupil premium funding and pupils facing other challenges receive carefully tailored support to overcome barriers to learning and/or wellbeing."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils develop the knowledge and skills they need for the next stage of their education, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "The curriculum has been carefully designed for mixed-age teaching and provides pupils with a broad and balanced education."

Early years - Expected standard. "Children settle well when they join the early years."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders are clear about the school's strengths and the areas that require further development."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have carefully considered pupils' personal development to ensure that they gain the knowledge, skills and experiences they need for later life."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Governors should implement and evaluate their strategic plans so that they can provide even more challenge and support for leaders"; "Leaders should ensure that all teaching challenges and supports pupils consistently so that all pupils make the maximum progress of which they are capable".

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of the children, staff, governors and parents welcome to Reed First School. We pride ourselves on the family feel our school offers - it is a happy place where the whole community works together to see enthusiastic and motivated learners."

The school runs after-school care, from £4 per session.

Coming up: an open day on Monday 2 November 2026, an open day on Friday 6 November 2026, an open day on Wednesday 11 November 2026 and an open day on Friday 13 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

For September 2026 entry, 12 families put Reed First School as their first choice and 27 named it as one of their preferences, for 13 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 Reed First School are Barkway VA Church of England First School (1.4 miles, Good); Therfield First School (1.8 miles, Good); Studlands Rise First School (2.6 miles, Good); and Barley (VA) Church of England First School (2.7 miles, Good).

6.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 3.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (86%) and Mixed (8%).

In 2026, 2 pupils (3.1%) received SEN support and 4 (6.3%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Reed First School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 8 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Royston Rail Station, about 3.1 miles away in a straight line.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Jackson's Lane (w-bound), 100 metres away.

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

Reed First School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.