Cowley Hill School
Borehamwood, WD6 5DP · Hertfordshire · primary school
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166th 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 — 8.8/10 against 2,358 of them, against 7.6/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cowley Hill 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%. 12.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 416 pupils against a stated capacity of 465. 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 new Ofsted framework affect daily teaching priorities? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Cowley Hill School
Overview
The report describes Cowley Hill School as an inclusive environment where pupils feel they belong and are safe. Leaders and governors share a clear vision, maintaining effective systems to monitor quality and support staff wellbeing. Pupils generally achieve well, with attendance improving and behaviour described as calm and orderly.
Strengths
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils, "generally achieve well" and are "well prepared for the next phase in their education."
- The school fosters a "respectful and positive atmosphere" where bullying is rare and pupils show "cooperation" and kindness.
- Leaders take "effective action to improve pupils’ attendance," resulting in a falling number of persistently absent pupils.
- Staff deliver a "well-structured curriculum" and build "close and trusting relationships" with pupils, guiding them calmly when behaviour issues arise.
- Governors "carry out their duties effectively," providing suitable challenge and support while prioritising pupils' best interests.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff "consistently check pupils’ understanding and adapt teaching" so activities are precisely matched to pupils' needs.
- There is work to do to ensure pupils make "greater and more consistent progress" in writing.
- Consistency in checking knowledge in subjects other than reading, writing, and mathematics "sometimes varies," meaning some pupils do not build knowledge as securely as they could.
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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 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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