Waterside Academy
Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1NZ · Hertfordshire · primary school
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259th 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 — 6.2/10 against 1,515 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Waterside Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, also equal to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join PianoFunClub, Rocksteady, and gymnastics. Trips include visits to Wagamama's, Cuffley Camp, and the Science Museum. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 166 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 new inspection framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is offered to pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Waterside Academy
Overview
Waterside Academy is described as a "purposeful and respectful place" where pupils feel safe and valued. New leaders have established a clear direction, resulting in a school that is "improving as a result" of recent changes to the curriculum and behaviour systems. Pupils generally make good progress and are "well prepared for the next steps in their education."
Strengths
- Attendance is at a "Strong standard," with a "clear reduction in persistent absence" due to effective personalised strategies.
- Behaviour is positive; pupils are "kind and polite," bullying is "not tolerated," and staff apply systems with "consistency, fairness and clarity."
- The curriculum is "broad, balanced and carefully designed," with a sustained focus on reading, writing, and mathematics that helps pupils "know and remember more."
- Staff provide "well-chosen adjustments" for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can "access the curriculum successfully."
- Leaders prioritise staff wellbeing by cutting "unnecessary tasks," creating a culture where staff feel "trusted, valued and motivated."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "refine checks on pupils receiving targeted support" to ensure interventions remain effective and timely.
- Leaders should develop how staff "identify and address gaps in learning" so that all pupils make "consistent and sustained progress."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 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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