Watford St John's Church of England Primary School
Watford, WD17 1JJ · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
114th 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 4,318 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.0/10 among them, against 6.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 38% | 2.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Watford St John's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A further 13.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend a Year 6 residential at PGL, visit museums, parks, the Blind Centre, St Albans Cathedral, and London. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 401 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 in reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the Year 6 residential trip? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily routines?
What Ofsted said about Watford St John's Church of England Primary School
Overview
Pupils enjoy school and feel safe in a culture of "kindness, inclusivity, and mutual respect." While behaviour and personal development are strong, the quality of education and leadership require improvement due to inconsistencies in teaching and curriculum delivery.
Strengths
- Pupils "behave well and respect the school rules," showing enthusiasm for learning and well-presented work.
- Staff build "strong relationships with pupils" and provide effective support for managing feelings and behaviour.
- The school promotes positive attendance and fosters responsible citizenship through online safety education and community roles.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive tailored help and "progress well from their various starting points."
Areas to improve
- Teachers must "check pupils’ understanding routinely" to prevent gaps in knowledge and ensure learning is matched to ability.
- The phonics programme needs to be "implemented consistently well" so all pupils can read with fluency and confidence.
- The early years curriculum must be implemented effectively to ensure children develop the necessary vocabulary and knowledge for Year 1.
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 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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