A Watford primary school said it is “delighted” with its recent 'good' Ofsted rating - despite dropping from its previous 'outstanding' grade.

The latest report for Alban Wood Primary School and Nursery was published on January 26 following a full two-day inspection in December.

Having been rated 'outstanding' in 2017, it followed an ungraded visit in 2022 that concluded the grade may not be as high if assessed again, which led to the latest inspection. 

Assessors still heaped praise on multiple areas of the school, which became an academy in 2017. They rated the quality of education, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management 'good', while behaviour and attitudes were 'outstanding'.

Executive Headteacher Jonny Spector, who oversees two schools in The Agora Learning Partnership Trust, said Alban Wood was “delighted” with the “excellent” report.

Watford Observer: Pupils in a music lesson at Alban Wood Primary School.Pupils in a music lesson at Alban Wood Primary School. (Image: Alban Wood Primary School)

He said: “We are very proud of our school and the report is a reflection of all the hard work that goes on at Alban Wood. 

“Whilst we continue to push to improve our school, it is pleasing to know that Ofsted have recognised the good work that goes on in the school and the incredibly hard-working and dedicated staff who ensure the school continues to provide such a positive experience for our children."

The report detailed that students are “proud” to study at the primary school and “love” learning.

It added: “They show respect for each other and for the adults who look after them. Relationships throughout the school are built on trust.”

Watford Observer: Pupils were said to behave exceptionally well in lessons.Pupils were said to behave exceptionally well in lessons. (Image: Alban Wood Primary School)

Pupils were also said to behave “exceptionally well” in lessons, they listened carefully and were “eager” to take part. 

The report noted that the academy's curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils” and “carefully planned”, and that teachers deliver it “confidently” while regularly checking pupils understood what was being taught.

Upper management, such as trust leaders, trustees and the governing board, were said to have a “strong” working knowledge of the school and visited regularly, checking in with staff and pupils.

Staff also felt “valued” and “proud” to work at the school.

The report only detailed one recommendation, which was to regularly use information from assessments to improve the curriculum and ensure that “pupils learn as well as the school would like them to”.

Responding to dropping a grade, Mr Spector claimed the 2017 'outstanding' rating was "under an entirely different Ofsted inspection framework", and added "the current 'good' grade is equivalent to the old 'outstanding' grade".

"Consequently, we do not think the rating in real terms has come down," he added.

Alban Wood, based in The Brow, is part of The Agora Learning Partnership Trust, which runs nine junior academies in Watford, Letchworth, Borehamwood and Welwyn Garden City.