Shepherd Primary
Rickmansworth, WD3 8JJ · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
288th 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 3,260 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2/10 among them, against 1.7/10 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 | 37.0 · 6 | 40% | 0.24 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Shepherd Primary overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2 out of 10 among them, against 1.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join football, netball, tennis, and gymnastics clubs, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 179 pupils against a stated capacity of 300. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in writing? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Shepherd Primary
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils enjoy a close-knit community and an "ambitious curriculum" that builds knowledge year on year. Leaders have established effective routines, ensuring pupils behave well in lessons and make positive progress in reading and early years. However, the inspection highlights inconsistencies in behaviour management and gaps in subject knowledge for some pupils.
Strengths
- Pupils "like being part of a school where everyone knows each other" and enjoy practical learning experiences across subjects.
- Early years provision is strong, with children making a "positive start" and quickly learning to read and understand number.
- Most pupils become "fluent and independent readers" due to a clearly structured approach to teaching reading.
- Staff appreciate how leaders consider "staff workload and well-being" and value the professional development provided.
- Governors have reviewed their roles to "hold leaders to account effectively."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must refine curriculum programmes in a few subjects to explicitly signpost the "most important knowledge" pupils need to retain, addressing current gaps in understanding.
- Specific training is required for adults to support older pupils with reading gaps so they "quickly become fluent and confident readers."
- Staff must apply the behaviour policy "consistently" to ensure all behaviour concerns are addressed, particularly during breaktimes and lunchtimes.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders acting "swiftly and with tenacity" on concerns and providing additional vetting checks beyond statutory requirements.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 37% |
| 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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