Ofsted has rated Harpenden's St Dominic Catholic Primary School as 'outstanding' in all areas.

A report was published on Friday, January 19, which saw the school achieve Ofsted's highest rating following an inspection in November 2023.

The establishment's quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all given top marks.

The school's Ofsted report reads: "Pupils are incredibly proud of their school.

"They feel safe in the calm, caring environment adults have created here. Pupils love learning.

"The school’s values are threaded through everything it does. Older pupils are exceptional role models.

"As a result, when younger pupils struggle to act out the values, they follow the example of the older pupils."

Teaching at the school was also praised, with the report adding: "Teachers deliver lessons confidently.

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"They make learning ‘sticky’, by recapping previous learning at the start of each lesson. They check pupils’ understanding regularly and adjust their teaching if necessary."

Along with the rating, St Dominic School has been rated in top one per cent for phonics across the county, an achievement also matched by Manland Primary School.

Herts Advertiser: St Dominic Catholic School, Harpenden.St Dominic Catholic School, Harpenden. (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesperson for the school said: "These achievements are a source of immense pride for St Dominic Catholic Primary School, reflecting the hard work and commitment of both children and staff."