The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
For a junior school, the results profile here is unusually strong. In 2024, 95% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, far above the England average of 62%. That same year, average scaled scores were 112 in reading, 111 in maths and 112 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, which signals a cohort consistently working beyond age-related expectations.
The wider story matches the data. The April 2024 inspection graded every area Outstanding and described a culture built on kindness plus very high expectations, with behaviour calm and learning time protected.
Leadership continuity is also a feature. Justine Elbourne-Cload has been headteacher of the junior school since 2010 and executive headteacher across the infant and junior federation since 2020.
This is a two-form entry junior school serving Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11), with around 240 places overall and typically eight classes. That size matters: large enough for breadth in clubs, music and sport, but still small enough for routines and expectations to feel consistent across the school.
The tone is set by an explicit focus on high standards and self-discipline. The school’s motto, “Do as you would be done by”, is used as a behavioural anchor and shows up in how pupils talk about respect and inclusion. Older pupils are given structured responsibilities, including play leaders and school council roles; there is also an expectation that older pupils support younger peers with reading and maths practice.
A second strand is the federation’s “all-through primary” feel while remaining two separate buildings. Practically, that means shared wraparound care and a joined-up approach to transition from Year 2 to Year 3, but with a clear reminder to parents that transfer is not automatic, even for children already on roll at the linked infant school.
Facilities and site features are unusually specific for a junior school handbook, which is a good proxy for how the school thinks about provision: a central hall and dining room, library, a junior music room, learning hubs, two playgrounds, a large playing field with an adventure play area, an astroturf area, a daily mile running track, plus a wildlife garden and pond area built with parent involvement. In classrooms, the federation reports interactive smart screens throughout, alongside shared sets of iPads and Chromebooks.
The headline is elite KS2 performance. In 2024:
95% met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, versus 62% across England.
58.33% reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, versus 8% across England.
Average scaled scores were 112 (reading), 111 (maths), and 112 (grammar, punctuation and spelling).
These are not marginal gains, they indicate a cohort where a majority are working securely above age-related expectations by the end of Year 6.
In FindMySchool’s proprietary rankings based on official outcomes data, the school is ranked 104th in England and 1st locally in St Albans for primary outcomes. Put simply, that sits within the top 2% of schools in England.
How to interpret this as a parent:
If your child is already a strong reader, the environment is likely to keep pace with them, rather than repeating familiar content.
If your child is capable but hesitant, the combination of small-step teaching and consistent routines can reduce anxiety and improve confidence.
If your child needs extra support, the school’s approach is designed to spot gaps early and intervene quickly, especially in reading.
Parents comparing schools nearby can use the FindMySchool Local Hub pages and the Comparison Tool to view these KS2 indicators side by side, rather than relying on headline Ofsted grades alone.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
95%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
The curriculum is described as ambitious and carefully sequenced, with explicit attention to key knowledge and vocabulary, plus deliberate links across subjects. Teachers check understanding frequently and adapt teaching quickly, which is exactly the mechanism that tends to produce very high end-of-key-stage outcomes.
Reading is a particular strength. The inspection report highlights a strong reading culture supported by peer recommendations and an active librarian, plus immediate support for pupils who fall behind using graded book progression. The implication for families is that weaker readers are less likely to drift quietly; gaps should be identified early, and the school expects rapid catch-up.
Beyond English and maths, there is a clear intent to broaden learning through specialist spaces and enrichment. The federation handbook notes French in Key Stage 2, swimming, and a programme called CHILL OUT (Cunningham Hill Independent Learning for Life Outdoors), delivered through regular outdoor sessions in partnership with Highfield Park. That kind of structured outdoor curriculum often suits pupils who learn best through movement and practical tasks, not only desk-based work.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
As a junior school, the main “destination” question is secondary transfer. The school is in St Albans, where families often consider a mix of local comprehensive options plus selective routes where relevant, and independent schools in the wider area. The most important practical point is that secondary admissions will follow Hertfordshire’s coordinated process and the published admissions criteria of each secondary school.
What Cunningham Hill Junior adds is strong academic preparation and a culture of persistence. Pupils are described as building resilience through tackling new skills in small steps, with teachers helping them succeed through structured scaffolding. That tends to support a smooth transition into Year 7 expectations, particularly in reading fluency, written accuracy and mathematical reasoning.
Families who want to plan ahead can shortlist likely secondaries early, then use FindMySchoolMap Search to sanity-check travel and practical commuting options, alongside each secondary’s admissions rules.
Admissions are handled through Hertfordshire County Council, including the main junior transfer into Year 3. The school is explicit that there is no automatic transfer from the linked infant school, all parents must apply.
For September 2026 entry, Hertfordshire’s published timeline is clear:
Applications opened 03 November 2025.
The deadline was 15 January 2026.
National allocation day was 16 April 2026.
The acceptance deadline was 23 April 2026.
If you missed the on-time window, the council’s process moves into late applications and then continuing interest (waiting list) runs, with published dates through June 2026.
The school also notes that tours are normally held during the autumn term for families considering a September start. If you are looking further ahead than the current cycle, treat autumn term tours as the typical pattern, and check the website for the current year’s dates.
Pastoral work here is tightly linked to routines and expectations, rather than being treated as a separate “soft” layer. Clear behaviour expectations and established routines are repeatedly referenced as the way learning time is protected and pupils develop self-control.
Special educational needs support is described as proactive. Teachers are expected to anticipate where additional explanations or resources will be needed and to put them in place immediately, alongside bespoke sessions to build specific skills. The aim is not only progress, but participation, so that pupils with SEND are included in both learning and social times with confidence.
Safeguarding is treated as a baseline operational strength. The latest inspection confirmed safeguarding arrangements as effective.
This is an area where Cunningham Hill Junior feels unusually structured for a junior school, with a published timetable and a mix of staff-run clubs, invited clubs, and external providers.
Examples from the spring term 2026 junior timetable include:
Orchestra (Years 4 to 6), Rock Steady Band, and Young Voices Choir (Years 5 and 6).
Technology Club (before school), plus Maths Puzzle and Times Tables Rock Stars at lunchtime.
Eco-Council, School Council Club, and a drop-in Library Club.
Karate (Goju-Ryu), fencing, junior gym, chess, streetdance, yoga and mindfulness, netball, football, running club, and Mad Science.
The practical implication is choice and routine. Pupils can build weekly habits, not just try one-off activities. It also signals that pupil leadership is real, not symbolic: older pupils run some clubs, including in collaboration with the linked infant school.
The junior school day is published as 8.50am to 12.00pm, then 1.00pm to 3.20pm, with the last day of term finishing earlier at 1.20pm. Some year groups also operate staggered drop-off and pick-up windows, so families should expect gate routines to be structured.
Wraparound care is a genuine strength. Early Birds (breakfast club) runs 7.45am to 8.45am on weekdays in term time, and Owls runs after school until 6.15pm (term time), with clear procedures for registration and collection.
On transport and congestion, the federation guidance encourages walking or cycling and asks drivers to park further away to ease pressure on nearby roads at peak times.
Elite outcomes can raise the pace. With 95% meeting expected standards and a large share working at the higher standard, lessons may feel fast for pupils who need more time to secure basics. The school does intervene early in reading, but families should still consider learning style and confidence.
Junior transfer is not automatic. Even if your child attends the linked infant school, you must apply for a Year 3 place through Hertfordshire County Council within the published deadlines.
Wraparound care has structure and rules. Early Birds and Owls run reliably, but the arrangements are formal, including booking expectations and strict collection times, which may not suit families who need very flexible ad hoc childcare.
Clubs run to tight routines. Clubs end at 4.20pm for junior clubs and require written permission; pupils in Years 5 and 6 walking home need prior consent on record.
Cunningham Hill Junior School combines an exceptionally strong KS2 outcomes profile with a culture of kindness, clear routines and high expectations. Teaching appears carefully structured, reading is treated as a whole-school priority, and extracurricular life is organised enough to feel like a planned programme rather than optional extras.
It best suits families who want a high-challenge academic environment in a state junior school setting, with strong wraparound care and a wide choice of clubs. The limiting factor for many will be admissions timing and process rather than what happens once a place is secured.
Yes. The most recent inspection (April 2024) graded the school Outstanding overall and across all key areas. KS2 outcomes are also extremely strong, with 95% meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined in 2024.
Applications are made through Hertfordshire County Council, including the main junior transfer into Year 3. There is no automatic transfer from the linked infant school, parents must submit an application in the normal window.
In 2024, 95% met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, versus 62% across England. Average scaled scores were 112 in reading, 111 in maths and 112 in grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Yes. Early Birds runs from 7.45am and Owls runs after school until 6.15pm during term time, with structured sign-in and collection procedures.
The club programme is wide and includes orchestra, choir, technology club, eco-council, library club, karate, fencing, chess, dance, yoga and mindfulness, plus a range of sport options that vary by term.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
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