Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
117%
Capacity
456
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
Holy Rood Catholic Primary School is a state-funded Roman Catholic primary school serving the Watford community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 456 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (117% of 390 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
the school is led by headteacher Emma Braund, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 77% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2302nd out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 22 in Watford.
Holy Rood Catholic Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 131 applications for 60 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 73 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Holy Rood Catholic Primary School include Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Sensory Room, Forest School, Outdoor Playground, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Athletics, Tennis, Dance and 1 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Choir, Book Club, Eco Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 3.9%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Watford, Holy Rood Catholic Primary School is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Greenbank Road, Watford, Watford, WD17 4FS |
| Headteacher | Emma Braund |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 456 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 3.9% |
| School Capacity | 456 / 390 (117% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 Oct 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (77%)
2302nd of 13,686
Nationally
223rd of 1,612
In East of England
7th of 22
In Watford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
77%
Expected Standard
11%
Higher Standard
'22/23
80%
'23/24
77%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
9Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed60
131
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
73 families put this school as their 1st choice (56% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Greenbank Road, Watford
Watford, WD17 4FS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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