Two Waters Primary School

About Two Waters Primary School

Two Waters Primary School in Dacorum is a state primary for children aged 3 to 11 that is running very close to full capacity, with 236 pupils against a school capacity of 240. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 8 per cent, which is notably lower than the national average for primary schools. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 113 applications for just 30 places, with 37 of those applications coming from families listing it as their first preference. That works out at nearly four applications per place overall, and a first-preference oversubscription ratio of 1.23, meaning the school is clearly a popular choice among local families. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, with a nursery on site for the youngest children. Headteacher Tim Gately leads a mixed-gender intake that reflects a relatively stable, less disadvantaged demographic compared with many primaries in the region.

Academically, Two Waters performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 73 per cent of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Hertfordshire average of 64 per cent. That places the school 8th out of 47 primary schools in Dacorum, putting it in the top 25 per cent nationally. In reading, 93 per cent of pupils met the expected standard and 40 per cent reached the higher standard; in maths, 93 per cent met the expected standard and half achieved the higher score. Average scaled scores were 109 in both reading and maths. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in September 2024, rated it Good overall, with personal development judged Outstanding. Behaviour and attitudes, quality of education, early years provision, and leadership and management were all rated Good. The previous inspection in 2011 had rated the school Outstanding, so the current Good rating represents a change, but inspectors noted strong personal development and a positive culture.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a library, sensory room, playing fields and an outdoor playground, plus a chapel. Sports provision covers football, cricket, tennis, netball, gymnastics, dance and cross country, while clubs include choir, drama, art club, eco club and gardening. For children with special educational needs, the school supports social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, autistic spectrum disorder and other difficulties. Parent View responses, based on 65 respondents, show 86 per cent would recommend the school. Strong majorities agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy (86 per cent) and feels safe (92 per cent), though SEND support drew a more mixed response, with 30 per cent strongly agreeing but 20 per cent strongly disagreeing. Given its strong academic outcomes, high demand and Good Ofsted rating, Two Waters is a strong fit for families in Dacorum seeking a well-regarded community primary with a broad extracurricular offer.

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