Welcome from the Headteacher

 
Dear Parents/Carers/Visitor,
 
Thank you for your interest in Great Gaddesden CE VA Primary School. 

My name is Mr Beach and it is my great pleasure and privilege to be the Headteacher of Great Gaddesden. 

We are a happy, inclusive and vibrant village school with close connections to the parish church. As a school with smaller and mixed age classes, we are smaller than many other schools but we have a very big heart. As a Church school, we are proud to be part of a family of schools within the St Alban's Diocese. We are an inclusive school and welcome families of different faiths and those of none. 


We provide a calm, purposeful learning environment in which we aim to create the best start for all of our children. We have high expectations for our children and recognise that for our children to flourish and reach their potential, we must nurture them academically and socially as well as prioritise their well-being and spiritual development. Therefore, to support us to achieve this ambition, our leadership team is split into two teams, they are:

  • Teaching, Learning, Curriculum and Assessment Team (Headteacher supported by an Upper & Lower School Senior Teacher)

  • Inclusion and Pastoral Team (SENDCo & Pastoral Support Assistant)

Our school community is made up of enthusiastic, passionate and welcoming children, staff, governors and supportive parents/carers.

We are a voluntary aided school with a distinctive Christian character. At the heart of our vision is our mission statement 'Treat others exactly as we would like to be treated', inspired from biblical scripture (Luke 6:31).

 

The Sunday Times 'Good school guide 2025' ranked Great Gaddesden School as being in the Top 30 of small state primary schools nationally.

In addition to Reception places, we also offer Nursery provision for children the term after they turn three years old. We offer 15 and 30 hours and our Nursery children benefit from being taught by a qualified teacher. From time-to-time we also have spaces for in year admissions for other year groups.

We also offer wrap around care providing breakfast and after school club. Breakfast club runs from 8:00am every day and we run after school club from Monday-Thursday. On a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, this is currently open until 6:00pm.

If you would like to come and see us in action, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. I look forward to hopefully welcoming you to our school soon.

 

Our Mission Statement
 
'Treat others exactly as you would like to be treated yourself' (Luke  6:31)

Our 3Be’s
1) Be observant and thoughtful 
2) Be kind and empathetic 
3) Be flexible and reflective
 
Our Mission statement underpins everything we do at Great Gaddesden School.  
Our Christian values support us all to live our Mission statement. 
 
 
Our school values 
 
Great Gaddesden is a small Church of England Primary School, with a distinctive Christian ethos. 
 
Each month, we focus on a different value that reflects the liturgical life of the church. Please see the 'Our Church' page for further details of these values.
 
In our Collective Worship, we celebrate children who have been nominated by their peers for being good examples of living our Mission statement, using our values to guide.   
 
 
 
'“Leaders, teachers and support staff work tirelessly to ensure that pupils and parents are known as unique and valued individuals. As a result, pupils who are vulnerable or going through difficult times receive timely and sensitive support.”

“Great Gaddesden’s Christian vision is deeply embedded and has a profound impact on the life of the school."
 
“Pupils flourish through a rich and diverse educational experience”
(SIAMS Inspection 2025)
 
"Great Gaddesden School has a strong family feel and pupils enjoy coming to school'.
 
 
Staff have high expectations for all pupils.
 
 
Pupils behave well and show good attitudes to learning'                               
  (Ofsted Inspection 2021)            
 
Kind regards,
 
Mr M. Beach
Headteacher