Watton-at-Stone Primary and Nursery School
Hertford, SG14 3SG · Hertfordshire · primary school
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120th 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 — 6.5/10 against 4,242 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Watton-at-Stone Primary and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 9.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. 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 (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 235 pupils against a stated capacity of 292. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about Watton-at-Stone Primary and Nursery School
Overview
Watton-at-Stone Primary and Nursery School continues to be a good school, where children are happy and staff keep them safe. Pupils value strong working relationships with adults, and expectations for learning and behaviour are high, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- The youngest children learn quickly in a "language-rich environment," with leaders prioritising a "strong curriculum that is rich in subject knowledge."
- In subjects such as mathematics, history, and geography, schemes of work are "dovetailed precisely" with theoretical statements, securing pupils’ "increasingly deep understanding" of key concepts.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well, with clear strategies enabling participation alongside peers and ensuring "minimum loss of learning."
- Reading skills are a high priority; most pupils are fluent readers by Year 2, and classrooms are "very well resourced with fiction and non-fiction texts" that inspire a love of books.
- Staff are "unanimously supportive of leaders’ consideration for their workload and well-being," and pupils understand how to report concerns via clear routes such as "worry boxes."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should review the strategic approach to phonics to ensure books are consistently matched to learning phases, so pupils get the practice needed to develop skills efficiently.
- In a few foundation subjects, schemes of work do not precisely reflect knowledge progression statements; leaders must overhaul the curriculum to ensure assessments focus on developing knowledge rather than just task completion.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with accurate recruitment checks, precise case files, and staff showing "accurate and detailed knowledge about all aspects of safeguarding."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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