Question 1

Is St Dominic Catholic Primary School a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The most recent inspection (22 and 23 November 2023) judged the school Outstanding across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. In 2025, 80% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, with average scaled scores of 112 in reading and 109 in maths.

Question 2

What are the fees at St Dominic Catholic Primary School?

Accepted Answer

This is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees for Reception to Year 6. Nursery funding and wraparound care may involve costs depending on eligibility and the sessions used.

Question 3

How do I apply for Reception entry?

Accepted Answer

Reception entry is coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council. For September 2027 entry, the Hertfordshire timetable opens on 2 November 2026 and the on-time deadline is 15 January 2027, with offers notified on 16 April 2027. Families are expected to accept by 23 April 2027.

Question 4

Do you have to be Catholic to apply?

Accepted Answer

No, non-Catholic families can apply. However, the published admissions policy prioritises Catholic children if the school is oversubscribed, and Catholic applicants may be asked for supporting evidence such as a Certificate of Catholic Practice depending on the oversubscription criteria.

Question 5

Does attending the nursery guarantee a Reception place?

Accepted Answer

No. The admissions policy states that attendance at St Dominic Nursery does not automatically give priority for entry to Reception, except in specific circumstances set out in the oversubscription criteria. Parents must apply for Reception whether or not their child attends the nursery.

Question 6

What wraparound care is available?

Accepted Answer

Friends Together provides on-site wraparound care, including Breakfast Club and After School Club. The provider states it runs between 07:50 and 18:00 and caters for children from nursery upwards, subject to registration and booking.

Question 7

What are typical local secondary options after Year 6?

Accepted Answer

The school’s public transition information is limited, so parents should ask directly about typical destinations. Nearby Harpenden secondary options commonly considered by local families include Sir John Lawes School and Roundwood Park School, alongside other schools in the wider St Albans area depending on preferences and availability.

Primary School Performance

Combined (R, W & M)

Reading

Writing

Mathematics

GPSGrammar, Punctuation & Spelling

Science