As 2025 draws to a close, we are taking a look back at how Watford's schools fared when faced with Ofsted inspections over the last 12 months.
There have been some brilliant reports this year, so we have compiled every school to have been rated by Ofsted with a flavour of what inspectors had to say.
See the full list below, with links to the Watford Observer's full story on the report, where applicable.
Lanchester Primary School - good in all areas
Inspectors said: "Staff present new ideas clearly and give pupils the opportunity to practise their learning. For example, in the early years, a range of well-chosen activities help children to practise their counting and develop their knowledge of number."
Westfield Academy - good in all areas
Inspectors said: "At this inclusive school, pupils get off to a great start. This is because staff help pupils to ‘believe, strive and achieve’. Staff believe in pupils’ abilities and potential."
Saint Michael's Catholic High School -outstanding in all areas
They added: “The school has undergone many positive changes from improvements to the fabric of the building to the curriculum and how it is taught."
The Hare Krishna Primary School - good in all areas
Inspectors said: "The school focuses effectively on the spiritual development of pupils, while ensuring that their academic education remains at the fore."
Inspectors said: "Teachers carefully adapt the curriculum to address pupils’ specific needs. This enables pupils with SEND to learn the curriculum alongside their peers."
Watford St John’s Church of England Primary School - requires improvement overall
Inspectors said: Although most pupils acquire the skills needed for their next stage of education, inconsistencies remain and so “some pupils do not achieve as well as they should”.
Future Academies Watford - good in three areas, outstanding in two
Inspectors said: "Pupils are now learning and remembering more and are making good progress as a result. The school has ensured that staff development is a high priority, meaning lessons are led by skilled teachers with a strong understanding of the curriculum."
The Grove Academy - good in four areas, outstanding in one
Inspectors said: "Pupils are greeted each day with welcoming smiles and waves from their friends and staff. Warm relationships sit at the heart of the school."
