St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School, Harpenden

From the headteacher's welcome: "St. Nicholas is a vibrant, successful and inclusive school with a friendly and supportive learning community. We welcome families of faith and no faith. The school prides itself on the high standards we seek to achieve in all areas of the curriculum. We work hard to help all children achieve their potential within a happy, caring environment."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, athletics, gymnastics, choir, guitar, chess and art.

The school runs after-school care, from £5.00 per session.

Coming up: an open day on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at 10am and an open day on Wednesday 13 January 2027 at 10am. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 100% of Year 6 pupils at St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 95% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 79% and 76% in Hertfordshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 92% in reading and 84% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 18 families put St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School as their first choice and 65 named it as one of their preferences, for 19 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 St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School are Harpenden Academy (0.2 miles, Good, 91% reading, 81% maths); St Dominic Catholic Primary School (0.5 miles); Roundwood Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 89% reading, 84% maths); and Manland Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 94% reading, 94% maths).

St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 7 pupils (4.7%) received SEN support and 3 (2%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School had 12 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Harpenden Rail Station, about 530 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

14 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Church Green Terminus (adjacent), 70 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 88 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, other theft and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Hertfordshire (138).

St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School are St George's School (0.4 miles), Roundwood Park School (0.6 miles), Sir John Lawes School (0.7 miles) and Katherine Warington School (1.2 miles).