Watford's Central Primary School celebrates positive Ofsted

Central Primary School in Derby Road was rated 'requires improvement' three years ago but has now been found to be operating at a "strong standard" in two categories and the "expected standard" in the remaining four.

Central Primary School is celebrating a positive Ofsted report (Image: Central Primary School)

Headteacher Sabrina Wright said: "We are incredibly proud of the journey our school has been on since our last inspection in 2023. What has been achieved is the result of a huge collective effort - our dedicated staff, supportive governors, engaged parents and, of course, our wonderful pupils, who are at the heart of everything we do.

"This outcome reflects not only hard work but a shared belief in what our school can be. We are especially pleased to see recognition of the strength of our inclusive culture and the quality of personal development we offer our children.

Headteacher Sabrina Wright (Image: Central Primary School)

"We are proud of how far we have come and excited for what comes next."

Inspectors visited the school at the end of February and found that pupils "make steady progress as they move through the curriculum".

The report says: "The school's recent national test results show that pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, achieve in line with pupils nationally. This reflects the school's focus on early reading, language and number skills.

"Teachers check pupils’ learning often and use this information to fill gaps quickly, which helps pupils keep up."

Pupils at the school (Image: Central Primary School)

Praise was also given to the "broad and ambitious curriculum" and the "accurate understanding" of it that staff possess.

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The school currently has 411 pupils on its roll, which is above the national average of 272.

Inspectors went on to say: "Pupils describe their school as a diverse community. They say this makes it a special place to learn.

"Pupils feel everyone is treated fairly and this is important to them. They learn about their own cultures and languages, as well as those of others. This prepares them well for life in modern Britain.

Central Primary School (Image: Paul Vincent)

"Pupils and staff have positive, respectful relationships. Pupils know adults will support them when they need help, so they feel safe. Bullying is rare. When it does happen, pupils are confident that staff deal with it effectively."