Bridgewater Primary School
Berkhamsted, HP4 1ES · Hertfordshire · primary school
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112nd 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 the 2,153 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.6/10 among them, against 7.3/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bridgewater Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% 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 10.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.6 out of 10 among them, against 7.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the HMS Music Maker Club, Ross & Andy's Football, Boxfit, Happy Human Project, Tennis Club, Netball, Canvas Crew, French (La Jolie Ronde), The FaB Lab, StreetKicks, Chess Club, and Drama Club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 459 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the various clubs scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about Bridgewater Primary School
Overview
Bridgewater Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a "friendly and welcoming place to learn" where pupils are "happy and safe." Leaders have implemented a "well-considered curriculum" that builds knowledge sequentially, enabling most pupils to achieve well and prepare for the next stage of their education. The school fosters a positive environment where staff support pupils to become "confident and resilient learners."
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully structured, with leaders identifying key knowledge and organising it so it "builds on what pupils have learned previously."
- Reading and phonics teaching is "well planned," ensuring all children learn to read words and simple sentences by the end of Reception.
- Staff maintain high expectations for behaviour, resulting in an environment where "low-level disruption is not accepted and is rare."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, with teachers adapting the curriculum to meet individual needs.
- Leaders support staff effectively, managing workload and ensuring staff have time to complete assessment tasks.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure extra support for a small group of Key Stage 2 pupils teaches them the specific "phonic knowledge that they need to read fluently and accurately."
- Leaders need to ensure teachers implement curriculum plans as intended in all subjects, particularly in mathematics, where instruction occasionally lacks clarity.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and acting "swiftly" on any concerns about pupils’ safety or well-being.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 80% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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
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