Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
Watford, WD17 4FS · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
14th 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 2,118 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.5/10 among them, against 9.1/10 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 | 84.0 · 93 | 40% | 3.72 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holy Rood Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 84.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 17.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in October 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.5 out of 10 among them, against 9.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access football, netball, rounders, tag rugby, golf, cricket, athletics and swimming, alongside breakfast and after-school clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 454 pupils against a stated capacity of 390. 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 aiming for the higher standard? How are the various sports clubs scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
Overview
Holy Rood Catholic Primary School is judged as outstanding across all inspection categories, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership. The report describes a school where pupils achieve very well, benefit from a rich curriculum, and thrive in a supportive environment characterised by high expectations and strong community ties.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate impressive long-term retention of knowledge, with subject-specific learning igniting interest in academia, sports, and the creative arts.
- The curriculum ensures pupils have a solid grounding in related knowledge before encountering new topics, supported by staff’s clear explanations and high-quality schoolwork.
- There is a "palpable air of peace and kindheartedness," with exceptional behaviour maintained through a buddy system and a culture of "love and solidarity."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive "high-quality care and academic support," including bespoke resources like tailor-made storybooks.
- Early years provision is effective, with staff expertise ensuring the learning environment encourages purposeful play that embeds essential knowledge for Year 1.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 80% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 84% |
| 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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