Highwood Primary School

About Highwood Primary School

If you're a parent weighing up Highwood Primary School, the first thing you'll notice is that it's a popular choice locally. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 103 applications for just 58 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.78. That means nearly two families applied for every spot, and of the 52 first-preference applications, 48 were offered a place – a strong signal that many local parents have it at the top of their list. The school is led by headteacher Bindu Rai and currently has 439 pupils on roll, slightly above its official capacity of 420. It's a mixed, state primary for ages 3 to 11, with nursery provision available. The religious character is listed as 'does not apply', so there's no faith-based admissions criteria. With 17.9 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a reasonably diverse catchment in Hertsmere.

Academically, Highwood's most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated it Good overall, with a standout Outstanding grade for early years provision. The other four categories – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management – all came in at Good. That's consistent with its previous inspection in 2013, which also rated the school Good overall. At Key Stage 2, 45 per cent of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined – well below the local authority average of 64 per cent. The school's average scores in reading and maths were both 105, which is exactly the national benchmark, but only 2 per cent of pupils reached the higher standard across all three subjects. In the Hertsmere local authority ranking, Highwood sits 25th out of 29 primary schools, placing it in the bottom half nationally.

The school offers a decent range of facilities including a library, playing fields, sports hall, art studios and a dining hall, plus a chapel. Sports provision covers gymnastics, athletics, swimming and netball, and there's a good selection of clubs from film and gardening to drama, choir and eco club. For families with children who have additional needs, Highwood has a broad SEND offer, including support for autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, dyslexia, physical disabilities and social, emotional and mental health challenges. If you're looking for an Outstanding-rated alternative, the nearest is Parkgate Junior School, 1.6 km away. Highwood suits families who value a well-established local school with strong early years provision and a wide-ranging SEND offer, but who are aware that its Key Stage 2 outcomes are below the local average.

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