The Grove Academy
Watford, WD25 9RH · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
266th 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 — 4.1/10 against 2,104 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 62% | 3.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Grove Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0%, compared to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the iRock club and the Football Club, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 473 pupils against a stated capacity of 710. 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 not yet meeting the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities take place during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the school manage class sizes with 237 places currently available?
What Ofsted said about The Grove Academy
Overview
The Grove Academy is described as a happy and friendly community where "warm relationships sit at the heart of the school." Pupils receive a good quality of education, with particular praise for the "Outstanding" early years provision, where children are "skilfully guided" and develop extremely well.
Strengths
- Nursery and Reception children "get off to a flying start" in a "caring and nurturing environment" with highly skilled adults.
- Staff have a "very accurate understanding" of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), identifying needs swiftly.
- Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge" and "explain and model new concepts and skills to pupils clearly."
- Pupils behave well, "listen carefully to adults," and have a "well-developed understanding" of safety and healthy relationships.
- The school manages staff workload well, and staff are "wholeheartedly proud to work in this school."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, pupils lack opportunities to "recap and revise some important knowledge," preventing them from developing "rich and connected knowledge."
- A small number of pupils are not given sufficient opportunity to "apply and practice what they learn in phonics to their writing," affecting spelling accuracy.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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