The Orchard Primary School
Watford, WD24 5JW · Hertfordshire · primary school
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95th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.7/10 against 4,190 of them, against 7.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.64 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.79 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 20.0 · 92 | 25% | 2.32 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Orchard Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 20.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Dance, Girls Gymnastics, Music Lessons, and Guitar clubs, alongside Boys Football, Girls Football, Netball, Rounders, and Hockey.
Getting in
The published school roll is 434 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 school support pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific steps were taken following the 2022 inspection to maintain the Good rating?
What Ofsted said about The Orchard Primary School
Overview
The Orchard Primary School continues to be a good school, offering pupils "wonderful opportunities" where they are respected and grow into "responsible and thoughtful young people." Leaders have fostered an inclusive culture with high expectations, ensuring pupils behave well and engage deeply with a clearly structured curriculum.
Strengths
- Pupils are "fully included" in school life, with skilled adults supporting those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to develop independence.
- The curriculum is well-designed, clearly laying out the knowledge and sequence of learning, particularly in mathematics and physical education.
- Pupils become "fluent, accurate and confident readers," with effective support for those needing extra help and a broad experience of different texts.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils "concentrate without being disturbed" and bullying "rarely happens," allowing teachers to focus on teaching.
- Staff are supported with high-quality training and careful workload management, while governors provide "detailed oversight" of the school’s work.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must design the early years curriculum in Nursery and Reception with the same "ambition and detail" as the rest of the school.
- Teachers need clarity on the exact knowledge children require in some early years subject areas to ensure they are "well prepared to learn the national curriculum in Year 1."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with adults being "highly vigilant" in identifying risks and ensuring pupils receive necessary support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 81% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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