Watford has enjoyed exceptional results in a very positive round of Ofsted inspections so far in 2024.
Of the seven inspections for schools in and around Watford that were published in March and April, four schools have been found ‘outstanding, three have been found ‘good’ and none have been given ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’.
With just 17 per cent of schools nationally being ‘outstanding’ this is an incredible set of results.
See what Ofsted said about each below:
Outstanding:
Watford Grammar School for Girls
After visiting Watford Grammar School for Girls, Ofsted inspectors gave it the highest possible grades in all categories.
The Lady’s Close secondary described the results as a “pleasing recognition of the long-established quality of pastoral and academic standards at Watford Girls”.
It was praised for its achievement in national exams as well as behaviour, leadership, and support for pupils’ personal development.
Chessbrook Education Support Centre
The ‘outstanding’ Chessbrook Education Support Centre is a pupil referral unit that transforms pupils’ attitudes to education, according to Ofsted.
Steve McShannon, headteacher at the Tolpits Lane school, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection as it reinforces the exceptional work we do and the invaluable service we provide to families and schools across southwest Hertfordshire.”
Bushey Heath Primary School
Bushey Heath Primary School, in The Rutts, was “thrilled” after receiving an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted grade.
“Pupils are happy at this school,” the report said. “From the start of Reception, pupils learn how to be kind and care for each other.”
It was rated outstanding in all areas.
Warren Dell Primary School
Warren Dell Primary School, in The Gosforth Lane, jumped from ‘good’ at its last inspection to ‘outstanding’.
Children “thrive” in an environment with a “strong sense of community” the inspectors said in the report, published on March 7.
Executive headteacher Jenny Morley said Warren Dell prides itself on “treating every child as an individual so they have every opportunity to thrive”.
Good:
Cassiobury Junior School
Cassiobury Junior School, in Bellmount Wood Avenue, said it was “really pleased” after it was rated ‘good’.
It was described as a “friendly and caring” school with an “ambitious and well-developed” curriculum which nurtures pupils’ knowledge over time.
The latest report only raised one area of improvement, as it said that staff were “not yet fully delivering all the content and pedagogical approaches as leaders intend” in some subjects, which had limited students’ progress.
Bushey and Oxhey Infant School
Ofsted found that pupils at Bushey and Oxhey Infant School, in Aldenham Road, are happy to attend the school and learn how to be kind and care for each other.
They “delight” in learning new ideas, the ‘good’ report added. The two areas identified for improvement were that children sometimes lose concentration when they should be learning and misconceptions, at times, being taught to pupils.
Executive headteacher Mary Ann Cooper said it was “gratifying” to have the school’s efforts recognised.
Merry Hill Infant School and Nursery
Ofsted found the early years provision to be ‘outstanding’ at Merry Hill Infant School and Nursery, but it narrowly missed out on an overall ‘outstanding’ grade.
Rating the school ‘good’, it said that pupils are proud to attend the school, in School Lane, and their wellbeing is prioritised.
Two areas for improvement were raised. In a few areas the curriculum is not as well implemented as leaders would like and for “a small number of pupils with SEND” lesson adaptions are not always matched to their needs.
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