Alban Wood Primary School and Nursery
Watford, WD25 7NX · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
70th of 337 primary schools in Hertfordshire we can score, 398 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.1/10 against 2,689 of them, against 8.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 23.0 · 95 | 25% | 2.37 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Alban Wood Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 23.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Lego, Multi-skills and Creative Clubs, play football or netball, and take part in gymnastics. Arts provision includes a choir, music lessons, and piano and violin tuition.
Getting in
The published school roll is 238 pupils against a stated capacity of 243. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
With 5 places currently spare, how does the school manage waiting lists for specific entry years? How does the curriculum support pupils who are already meeting the higher standard? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the nursery?
What Ofsted said about Alban Wood Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Alban Wood Primary School and Nursery is rated as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes. The report describes a school where pupils are “proud to be part of the Alban Wood family” and feel “safe and happy” due to relationships built on trust. Leaders provide an “ambitious” curriculum that is carefully planned, ensuring pupils build expertise over time and develop high aspirations for their futures.
Strengths
- Pupils display “exemplary” behaviour, showing respect, tolerance, and kindness towards each other and adults.
- The curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils,” with teachers delivering lessons confidently and checking understanding regularly to address gaps.
- Phonics is “well taught,” resulting in the majority of pupils becoming “fluent readers by the end of Year 2.”
- The school is “highly inclusive,” with accurate identification of needs for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and appropriate adjustments to the curriculum.
- There is a “strong programme of personal development,” including extra-curricular clubs and experiences promised by the trust’s ‘Agora Pledge’.
Areas to improve
- Curriculum leaders do not routinely use assessment information in foundation subjects to inform curriculum improvements, meaning these subjects “may not be as effective as they could be.”
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WD25 7NX, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT