Watford Grammar School for Boys
108%
Capacity
1,610
Pupils
4.3x
Demand
About Watford Grammar School for Boys
Watford Grammar School for Boys is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Watford community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,610 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 1,496 places).
the school is led by headteacher Ian Cooksey, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.72 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 66.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B+. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 265th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 4 in Watford.
Watford Grammar School for Boys is a popular choice with families — it received 929 applications for 215 places, making it 4.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 387 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Watford Grammar School for Boys include Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Theatre, Library, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Eco Club, Book Club, Orchestra and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 6.2%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Watford, Watford Grammar School for Boys 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 | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Boys |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Watford, WD18 7JF |
| Headteacher | Ian Cooksey |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,610 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 6.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,610 / 1,496 (108% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 1 Dec 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.72)
265th of 3,141
Nationally
34th of 350
In East of England
2nd of 4
In Watford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
43.2
'22/23
40.1
'23/24
42.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed215
929
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
387 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watford Grammar School for Boys
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Rickmansworth Road, Watford
Watford, WD18 7JF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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