Cowley Hill School

About Cowley Hill School

Cowley Hill School is clearly a popular choice among local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 41 first-preference applications for its 50 Reception places, and was oversubscribed with 127 total applications. That gives an oversubscription ratio of 2.54, meaning for every available place, more than two families expressed a preference. This level of demand is a strong indicator of parent confidence, even though Parent View survey data is not available in this snapshot. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in October 2021, confirmed it remains Good, a rating it has held consistently. Headteacher Louise Thomas leads a mixed, non-denominational primary for pupils aged 3 to 11, with a nursery on site. The school has capacity for 465 pupils and currently enrols 424, so it is running close to full.

Academically, Cowley Hill performs solidly against local benchmarks. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 tests, 65% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, just above the Hertfordshire local authority average of 64%. Reading is a particular strength: 76% of pupils met the expected standard and 35% reached the higher standard, with an average scaled score of 106. In maths, 69% met the expected standard and 35% achieved the higher standard, with an average score of 105. Writing was slightly lower, with 69% at expected and 16% at the higher level. Nationally, the school ranks in the top 50% of primary schools for the combined expected standard metric, sitting at the 45th percentile. Within the Hertsmere local area, it ranks 12th out of 29 primary schools, placing it in the middle of the pack locally.

The school offers a practical environment with facilities including a library, art studios, a gymnasium, playing fields, a sensory room and a dining hall. Sports provision covers athletics, swimming, cross country, netball and dance, while after-school clubs include eco club, science club, film club, art club, chess and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists specific SEND provisions for dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. The school does not have a sixth form, as it is primary only, and it is not a boarding school. With its strong local demand, solid but not exceptional results, and a broad range of facilities and clubs, Cowley Hill is a good fit for families in the Borehamwood area who want an inclusive primary with a clear focus on reading and a supportive environment for SEND pupils.

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