Is Watford Grammar School for Boys a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 14 April 2026 under its report-card framework and graded six areas at Exceptional and one at Strong standard. Safeguarding was judged Met. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded B, 7th of 81 secondary schools in Hertfordshire. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are Watford Grammar School for Boys's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at Watford Grammar School for Boys averaged an Attainment 8 score of 66.3 (England: 46.2). 84.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at Watford Grammar School for Boys?

Applications for Year 7 places at Watford Grammar School for Boys starting in September 2028 close on 31 October 2027. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2028 (or the next working day).

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Watford Grammar School for Boys

Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JF

Local ranking7th of 81 secondary schools in Hertfordshire

Ofsted: ExceptionalUpdated

Secondary

Phase

1496

Capacity

11-18

Age range

Boys

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 A-levels · Ofsted inspection 14 April 2026. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Ofsted Report Card

Inspected 14 April 2026 under Ofsted's renewed framework

View on Ofsted

Safeguarding standards Met

Achievement: Exceptional
Curriculum & teaching: Exceptional
Attendance & behaviour: Strong standard
Personal development & wellbeing: Exceptional
Leadership & governance: Exceptional
Inclusion: Exceptional
Post-16 provision: Exceptional

Scale: Exceptional · Strong · Expected · Needs attention · Urgent improvement

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 66.3 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 84.4% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 91.1% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 224

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 99.0%
Continued in education: 97.0%
Apprenticeships: 1.0%
Employment: 1.0%
Not sustained: 1.0%

After A-Levels 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 89.0%
Higher education: 77.0%
Apprenticeships: 3.0%
Employment: 9.0%
Not sustained: 5.0%

A-Level Results

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Avg A-Level Grade

39.6

Avg Points/Entry

nat 35.0

39.6

Best 3 A-Levels

nat 35.8

245

A-Level Students

AAB+ with Facilitating: 26.5% nat17.5%
16-18 Cohort: 489

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 1610
Boys: 1590 (100%)
Capacity: 1496 (106% full)
SEND: 10.5%
FSM Eligible: 7.3%
EAL: 21.8%
SEN with EHC Plan: 3.7%
SEN Support: 6.8%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 16.2:1
Teachers (FTE): 99.4
Budget per Pupil: £7,807/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 7.1% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 21.5% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Academy converter
Phase: Secondary
Religious Character: Church of England
Nursery: Not applicable
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

Asian Indian: 31.8%
White British: 14.9%
Asian Pakistani: 14.5%
Asian Other: 13.9%
White Other: 6.2%
Mixed White & Asian: 4.6%
Black African: 3.2%
Asian Chinese: 2.9%

31.8%

Asian Indian

14.9%

White British

14.5%

Asian Pakistani

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01923208900

head@watfordboys.org

Visit website

Rickmansworth Road

Watford, East of England

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Administrative

URN: 136276
UKPRN: 10031379
Establishment No.: 5401
Trust: WATFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

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