The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2021).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 68.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2021
- This is a Church of England school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
68.9
25.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
83%
41.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
96%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.05
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
99%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
97%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
1%
Based on 227 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
14% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 133 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Boys
- Character
- Church of England
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,610
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 6.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- WATFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS
- Head
- Mr Ian Cooksey (Headmaster)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 7JF
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmChater Infant School
Primary · 442m away
Chessbrook Education Support Centre
Pupil referral unit · 743m away
Chater Junior School
Primary · 797m away
Lanchester Primary School
Primary · 806m away
Ascot Road Primary School
Primary · 826m away
Westfield Academy
Secondary · 883m away
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 900m away
Laurance Haines School
Primary · 1.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Watford Grammar School for Boys a selective school?
No. Watford Grammar School for Boys is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Watford Grammar School for Boys's Ofsted rating?
Watford Grammar School for Boys was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in October 2021. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Watford Grammar School for Boys?
Watford Grammar School for Boys currently has 1,610 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Watford Grammar School for Boys take?
Watford Grammar School for Boys caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Watford Grammar School for Boys?
Watford Grammar School for Boys is in Watford, WD18 7JF, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Watford Grammar School for Boys have a sixth form?
Yes, Watford Grammar School for Boys has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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