Holwell Primary School
Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3RP · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
105th 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 — 8.6/10 against 2,295 of them, against 7.4/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holwell Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 9.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 397 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
How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current proximity to its maximum capacity?
What Ofsted said about Holwell Primary School
Overview
Holwell Primary is described as an "inclusive, warm, caring school" where "pupils’ welfare and education are at its heart." The inspection found that leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in a culture where pupils are encouraged to "flourish and achieve" within a "calm and orderly" environment.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a "clear, sequenced, ambitious curriculum" that ensures pupils’ learning progresses effectively year on year.
- Reading is a high priority, with "well-trained staff" using an "effective systematic programme" to teach phonics from Reception.
- Staff are "well trained to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities," who benefit from the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.
- The personal, social and health curriculum is "well planned," supporting pupils’ character development and understanding of "fundamental British values."
- Governors and leaders work well together, with senior leaders being "highly regarded by staff, parents and pupils."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure systems are in place to check that books chosen by older pupils are "closely matched to their reading ability," as current checks are not as rigorous as for early readers.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are well trained and pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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