Central Primary School
Watford, WD17 2LX · Hertfordshire · primary school
243rd of 340 primary schools in Hertfordshire we can score, 401 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 — 6.2/10 against 2,982 of them, against 5.6/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.41 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Central Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. Only 6.0% reached the higher standard. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in February 2026. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 399 pupils against a stated capacity of 450. 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
How does the school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific improvements have been made since the recent Ofsted inspection? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Central Primary School
Overview
Central Primary School is a diverse community where pupils feel safe, included, and ready to learn. The report highlights a "strong standard" in inclusion and personal development, with leaders effectively supporting pupils from varied backgrounds, including those new to English. Overall, the school meets the "expected standard" in most areas, providing a broad curriculum and secure teaching that helps pupils make steady progress.
Strengths
- Inclusion is rated at a "strong standard," with leaders ensuring learning is "routinely and consistently adapted" to meet individual needs, including effective support for pupils with SEND.
- Personal development is also at a "strong standard," featuring a well-organised programme that teaches respect, consent, and British values, fostering "positive, respectful relationships."
- Pastoral support is described as a "real strength," with staff quickly identifying emotional needs and helping pupils develop strategies for "positive mental health."
- Staff provide "highly effective teaching" for pupils with special educational needs, enabling them to "keep up with their peers" and close learning gaps.
- The school creates a "calm and orderly environment" where bullying is rare and pupils trust adults to resolve issues effectively.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "further strengthen early years teaching" so staff use "consistent and effective approaches" in language development.
- Leaders should "improve the teaching of writing and raise expectations" so that pupils attain more highly in this subject.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| England | 63% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the average across the 14,239 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level average, 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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