Moving to Harpenden - primary school advice

[HarpoJo]

We are moving to Harpenden from south London with our two boys in Years 2 & 5.

Can anyone give us guidance on the local primary schools? As an in-year admission we will be restricted to what spaces are available, but would be great to know which schools are well regarded.

We are looking forward to our move in May.

Thanks in advance.

Frankly they are all pretty good, and some are exceptional. Where roughly in the town will you be moving to?

Historically the Lea has not been so well regarded, but I think that it has really improved. Someone should be along to give you more info.

It might be best to phone Herts LEA and find out which schools have the required places for your in year admission and then post again about the specific school(s).

Harpenden is a lovely place to raise children. I hope you'll be really happy here.

Agreed, all the schools are good - the Lea and Sauncey Wood are the least popular but anywhere other than Harpenden they would be regarded as very good indeed. The Lea has small class sizes which may appeal. They suffer slightly from having an intake of children from the local Christian missionary campus (really) who don't stick around for very long, as their parents are being trained to go out and spread the word across the world. On the other hand, the missionaries do run a v nice cafe and regular events - great Teddy Bear's Picnic concert (and no attempt to convert you).

The Lea has recently had an Ofsted inspection and was graded "good". All the parents I know there are very happy with it. It is getting much harder to get into I understand.