Killigrew Primary and Nursery School Review 2026, a high-performing two-form entry primary in St Albans

A two-form entry community primary with nursery provision, Killigrew combines strong academic outcomes with a clear, child-friendly language for learning and behaviour. Class names follow a bird theme, and the school explicitly links this to its “learning powers”, which gives children consistent prompts about how to approach challenge, teamwork and curiosity.

The latest Ofsted inspection, published 11 September 2024 following a visit on 17 and 18 July 2024, kept the school at Good and indicated the evidence could support Outstanding at a graded inspection.

In performance terms, the school’s most recently published key stage 2 results are exceptionally strong, including 90% meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined. With a stated capacity of 420, this is a sizeable primary, but the “two classes per year group” structure keeps each cohort manageable.

Killigrew is explicit about wanting children to feel secure and ready to learn. The school describes itself as having a “family” feel, and it backs that up with routines that encourage responsibility from early on, rather than leaving leadership and voice solely to older pupils.

One of the most distinctive features is the way the school ties identity and culture together. Classes are named after birds (for example, Year 5 includes Pelicans and Toucans, while Nursery is Hummingbird), and the wider school motto centres on helping children “spread your wings so that you can soar”. This is more than branding. The learning powers system maps five learning behaviours to bird motifs, so children see consistent cues across classrooms and assemblies: capable (Robin), curious (Magpie), collaborative (Swallow), conscientious (Owl), and creative (Wren). Each term, staff select one child per class who has demonstrated all learning powers and award an expert learner badge in a special assembly, which gives an achievable, concrete definition of “doing well” that is not limited to test scores.

Leadership information is clear and current across official sources. Mr John Ferguson is listed as headteacher on Get Information About Schools, and the school website also identifies Mr J Ferguson as headteacher, including on the staff listing. The headteacher’s welcome explicitly frames this as a period of transition under a new head, which may matter to families who look closely at leadership stability and direction.

Killigrew’s key stage 2 profile is the headline for academically minded families. In the most recently published results, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared with an England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 48% achieved greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, compared with the England average of 8%. Reading and mathematics scaled scores are also high, at 111 for reading (England average is typically 100) and 109 for mathematics. Grammar, punctuation and spelling is particularly strong, with a scaled score of 113.

The detail matters here. A 90% combined expected standard indicates consistent strength across multiple disciplines, not a “spiky” profile driven by one area alone. The higher standard figure, in particular, suggests a meaningful proportion of pupils are leaving Year 6 with secure mastery and the ability to apply skills independently, which usually translates into a smoother start to secondary learning that assumes fluency in reading comprehension, writing stamina and multi-step mathematics.

Ranked 195th in England and 3rd in St Albans for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), Killigrew sits among the highest-performing primary schools in England (top 2%).

Science outcomes are also positive, with 84% reaching the expected standard in science, slightly above the England average of 82%. For families who want balanced preparation, this reduces the risk that strong literacy and maths outcomes have been achieved by narrowing the broader curriculum.

Teaching is shaped by two consistent priorities: secure foundations in literacy, and deliberate building of knowledge over time. The most recent inspection describes an ambitious curriculum and highlights a strong reading strategy that starts in early years and continues through school. That aligns with the school’s published approach to curriculum communication, which includes subject materials for families and an emphasis on workshops, launch days and off-site learning to bring topics to life, particularly in foundation subjects such as history.

In practical terms, the value of this approach is in cumulative advantage. Early reading that is taught systematically, combined with consistent vocabulary use and spelling focus, tends to support outcomes across the curriculum. It affects how confidently pupils can explain scientific concepts, how successfully they can access historical sources, and how well they can write at length under time constraints in Year 6.

For parents, it is also relevant that the school explicitly links learning behaviours to “learning powers”. When used well, this creates a shared language between staff and pupils that helps children describe how they learn, not just what they know. The fact that the system is reinforced through motifs, class naming and assemblies suggests it is intended to be a whole-school method rather than a one-off initiative.

As a Hertfordshire primary, progression is into the county’s secondary system, where place allocation depends on each secondary school’s admissions rules, including priority areas, sibling links, and distance tie-breaks where relevant. For Year 6 families, that means the “next stage” conversation needs to start early, ideally alongside a realistic look at priority areas and travel patterns. Hertfordshire explains how admission rules are applied, and how distance can operate as a tie-break when a school is oversubscribed.

Killigrew’s calendar indicates that secondary transfer guidance is actively managed, with a dedicated secondary transfer meeting for Year 6 parents included as a diary event. That matters because the secondary system can feel administratively complex, and families typically benefit from clear signposting on timelines, application steps and what evidence is required.

For pupils, the best outcome at transition is usually confidence and independence rather than early acceleration. A Year 6 cohort that has been trained to articulate learning, use precise vocabulary and take responsibility through roles and routines tends to settle quickly at secondary, particularly where homework systems and timetable changes are a shock for some pupils.

Reception entry is coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council, rather than handled directly by the school. For September 2026 entry, the county timeline is clear: online applications opened 3 November 2025, the deadline for on-time applications was 15 January 2026, and national allocation day is 16 April 2026. Families then need to accept the offered place by 23 April 2026.

Demand indicators suggest families should plan on competition. In the most recent available admissions data, the Reception route recorded 153 applications for 60 offers. That equates to 2.55 applications per place. First preference demand also looks strong, with a first-preference-to-offer ratio of 1.11, which usually means even families who list the school first may not all secure a place. If you are trying to estimate your chance of an offer, it is sensible to use the FindMySchool Map Search alongside official admissions rules to test realistic options.

Nursery admissions are managed separately and directly by the school. For September 2026 nursery places, applications opened Friday 7 November 2025 and closed Friday 20 February 2026, offers were issued Friday 6 March 2026, and families had to accept or decline by Friday 20 March 2026.

The school also notes that Reception tours typically run from the end of September. If you are planning for a future intake, that timing suggests autumn visits are the norm, with exact dates best checked each year as they can shift.

Pastoral practice is most convincing when it is visible in routines and expectations. The inspection evidence points to calm, productive lessons, clear rules that pupils understand, and strong participation in leadership roles such as school councillors, sports ambassadors, play leaders and travel ambassadors. Those structures can be a practical way to develop confidence and responsibility, especially for pupils who need a role to step into socially.

Support for additional needs is signposted through staffing and process. The staff list identifies a named special educational needs coordinator (Mrs N. Pita), and the inspection evidence emphasises early identification and timely interventions, alongside close work with parents and specialists. This combination typically indicates a school that treats inclusion as part of the mainstream offer rather than a separate track.

Ofsted also confirmed that safeguarding arrangements are effective.

Extracurricular life is well organised, with a published clubs timetable and a mix of staff-led and provider-led activities. In Spring 2026, examples include KS2 Choir, Band Club, Sewing Club, Kings and Queens Chess Club, Lego Skills and Construction, La Jolie Ronde French Club, and a range of sport and performance options such as tag rugby, multisports, drama, musical theatre, street dance, and cheer and acro.

For families, the implication is choice with structure. Some clubs run at lunchtime and others after school, which can suit parents who want enrichment without a late finish every day. The timetable also makes clear that clubs do not run in the week of parents’ evenings, which is helpful for planning.

There is also a practical wraparound link. Breakfast and after-school provision is delivered through a partner provider, which can reduce pressure on the school site while still giving parents a predictable childcare option. The after-school club operates off site, with staff collecting children from classroom doors and walking them via the back gate, which is relevant for parents weighing convenience and supervision expectations.

Start and finish times vary by phase, which is common in larger primaries. Nursery runs 9.00am to 3.00pm, infants run 8.45am to 3.15pm, and juniors run 8.50am to 3.20pm. Juniors also operate a soft start between 8.40am and 8.50am. The school sets out preferred entry and exit gates by year group, including a West Avenue gate for Nursery and younger pupils, and a Greenwood Park gate for junior year groups.

Breakfast club opens at 7.30am and runs until the start of the school day. After-school club runs until 6.00pm and is based at Greenwood Park Community Centre, with collection from classrooms and a short walk to the venue.

Practicalities also include traffic management. The school asks families to avoid parking in nearby residential roads at peak times and notes that Greenwood Park can offer additional parking, which is useful context if you are trying to work out whether the daily run is manageable. Term dates are published in advance, including early finishes at 1.15pm on the last day of term, which parents should factor into childcare planning.

• High demand for places. With 153 applications for 60 offers in the latest available Reception admissions data, the school is oversubscribed. This increases the importance of having a realistic plan B, even if Killigrew is your first choice.

• Logistics vary by age group. Different start times, a soft start for juniors, and year-group gate preferences can be excellent for managing flow, but they may be inconvenient for families with children in multiple phases at once.

• Wraparound is partly off site. The after-school club runs at Greenwood Park Community Centre rather than on the school site. Many families will like the structure, but others will prefer on-site provision.

• Some enrichment has extra costs. The clubs programme includes provider-led options that charge per session, alongside school-run activities. Families who want multiple clubs each week should plan for this.

Killigrew Primary and Nursery School stands out for two reasons: exceptionally strong academic performance at key stage 2, and a coherent culture that gives pupils a shared language for learning behaviours and responsibility. It is a strong option for families who want high expectations in a mainstream setting, with a clear structure for routines, leadership roles and enrichment.

Best suited to families who value academic stretch alongside a well-organised, values-led approach, and who are prepared to engage early with admissions timelines and practical logistics. Entry remains the main hurdle, particularly for Reception and nursery intakes.