Holdbrook Primary School and Nursery
Waltham Cross, EN8 7QG · Hertfordshire · primary school
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226th 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 — 4.8/10 against 1,515 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 41% | 0.91 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 33% | 1.73 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 26% | 1.70 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holdbrook Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with 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 March 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 210 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 to bridge the gap between the current 52.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are in place to maintain the higher standard rate of 10.0%? How does the school manage class sizes with 210 pupils across its available places?
What Ofsted said about Holdbrook Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Holdbrook Primary School and Nursery is described as an ‘inspirational’ and ‘caring, nurturing, inclusive and supportive’ community where pupils are happy and feel safe. Leaders have successfully addressed previous issues, bringing about ‘secure and sustained improvements’ in the quality of education, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school provides a strong start for early years children and ensures that vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive appropriate support.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘enthusiastic learners’ who are ‘supportive of each other’ and demonstrate good behaviour and respect for adults.
- The curriculum is carefully designed to help pupils build knowledge, with effective action taken to support those impacted by the pandemic.
- Early years provision is strong, with a structured phonics programme ensuring children become ‘confident and curious learners’.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is ‘strong’, with teachers adapting learning and providing skilled assistance.
- Leaders prioritise personal development, fostering an inclusive environment where pupils learn about diversity and equal rights.
Areas to improve
- In a ‘very few subjects’, planning and teaching do not identify and deliver subject-specific knowledge and skills well enough, limiting pupils’ proficiency.
- Leaders need to ensure that planning in these areas delivers the specific knowledge required so pupils gain a ‘broad and deep understanding’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘strong safeguarding culture’ where staff are vigilant, skilled at identifying concerns, and knowledgeable about reporting procedures.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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