Is Layston Church of England First School a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 23 June 2026 under its report-card framework and graded four areas at Expected standard and three at Needs attention. Safeguarding was judged Met. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded C, 380th of 388 primary schools in Hertfordshire. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

How do I apply for a place at Layston Church of England First School?

Applications for Reception places at Layston Church of England First School starting in September 2027 close on 15 January 2027. You apply through the council where you live, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 16 April 2027 (or the next working day).

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Layston Church of England First School

The Causeway, Buntingford, SG9 9EU

Local ranking380th of 388 primary schools in Hertfordshire

Ofsted: ExpectedUpdated

Primary

Phase

150

Capacity

5-9

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: Ofsted inspection 23 June 2026. Figures last updated 20 October 2026.

Ofsted Report Card

Inspected 23 June 2026 under Ofsted's renewed framework

View on Ofsted

Safeguarding standards Met

Achievement: Needs attention
Curriculum & teaching: Needs attention
Attendance & behaviour: Expected standard
Personal development & wellbeing: Expected standard
Leadership & governance: Expected standard
Inclusion: Expected standard
Early years: Needs attention

Scale: Exceptional · Strong · Expected · Needs attention · Urgent improvement

Year:

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 139
Boys: 60 (48%)
Girls: 64 (52%)
Capacity: 150 (83% full)
SEND: 20.1%
FSM Eligible: 21.6%
EAL: 4.3%
SEN with EHC Plan: 2.2%
SEN Support: 18.0%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 16.6:1
Teachers (FTE): 8.4
Budget per Pupil: £7,583/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

Overall Absence Rate: 5.6% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 12.7% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Voluntary controlled school
Phase: Primary
Religious Character: Church of England
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Not applicable

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 90.5%
Mixed Other: 2.2%
Black African: 2.2%
White Other: 1.5%
White Irish: 0.7%
Mixed White & Black Caribbean: 0.7%
Asian Pakistani: 0.7%
Asian Bangladeshi: 0.7%

90.5%

White British

2.2%

Mixed Other

2.2%

Black African

Historical Trends

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Ethnicity Over Time

Contact & Location

01763271235

head@layston.herts.sch.uk

Visit website

The Causeway

Buntingford, East of England

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Administrative

URN: 117390
UKPRN: 10080112
Establishment No.: 3011

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