St Anthony's Catholic Primary School
Watford, WD18 6BW · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
241st 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 4,240 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.4/10 among them, against 5.5/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 14 | 35% | 0.48 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 13.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.4 out of 10 among them, against 5.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join APEX Cheerleading, Arty Amber, Shogun Karate, Xtra time, Drama Club, Gym Club, Eco-Council, and Sports Council. Sports include football, netball, dodgeball, tennis, and tri-golf, alongside Forest School trips. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 448 pupils against a stated capacity of 450. 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 curriculum support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the Eco-Council?
What Ofsted said about St Anthony's Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School is described as a place where pupils “love learning” and feel safe within a “friendly, caring atmosphere.” The report highlights “impeccable” behaviour and attendance that exceeds national averages, driven by leaders’ “relentless pursuit” of ambitious goals. While achievement in reading and writing is strong, the school is currently working to embed improvements in mathematics and teaching consistency.
Strengths
- Attendance is “higher than the national average” due to leaders’ meticulous analysis and positive relationships with parents.
- Pupils display “calm, caring and sensible conduct” with “impeccable” behaviour, supported by high expectations and a strong sense of belonging.
- Inclusion is rated at a “Strong standard,” with precise assessments and individualised provision ensuring pupils with additional needs access the curriculum effectively.
- Personal development is “significantly strengthened,” with pupils demonstrating “deep and secure knowledge” of topics such as mental wellbeing and consent.
- Staff are “highly committed” and well-supported, benefiting from training and a leadership culture that prioritises welfare and workload management.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff “consistently use assessment effectively to move pupils’ learning on,” particularly to address errors or misconceptions.
- Leaders should continue to embed the new mathematics curriculum to improve achievements, including for disadvantaged pupils.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and concerns actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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