Central Primary School
Derby Road, Watford, WD17 2LXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Central Primary School is a primary school in Watford for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 19th of 29 primary schools in Watford. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in February 2026.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 24 February 2026, report published 28 April 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Strong standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Expected standard
- Achievement
- Expected standard
- Attendance and behaviour
- Expected standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Strong standard
- Leadership and governance
- Expected standard
- Early years
- Expected standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 24 February 2026
Pupils describe their school as a diverse community. They say this makes it a special place to learn. Pupils feel everyone is treated fairly and this is important to them. They learn about their own cultures and languages, as well as those of others. This prepares them well for life in modern Britain. Pupils and staff have positive, respectful relationships. Pupils know adults will support them when they need help, so they feel safe. Bullying is rare. When it does happen, pupils are confident that staff deal with it effectively. Many pupils join the school at different times, not only in the Reception Year. They are warmly welcomed, which helps new pupils to settle quickly. Overall, pupils achieve well. Some progress rapidly from their various starting points. For example, pupils who are new to speaking English learn to read and write it through a well planned and effective approach. Staff check pupils' progress carefully. For example, they notice when a pupil needs extra help in mathematics or support to build their confidence. Pupils learn what they need to do to improve. This helps them take ownership of their learning and gives them a clear sense of their next steps. Pupils say someone is always available to help them if they need it. They find this reassuring. The youngest children in the school play happily together and know the routines well. For example, they know how to collect the resources they need for a task, which builds important independent skills. Across the school, pupils typically behave well. They understand the rules because staff apply them fairly. Pupils learn a wide range of knowledge that matches their needs. For example, they think about careers they may want in the future. They also develop their talents and interests, such as learning a musical instrument. This work prepares them well for their next steps.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should further strengthen early years teaching so that staff use consistent and effective approaches in order for more children to achieve well by the end of the Reception Year.
- Leaders should improve the teaching of writing and raise expectations so that pupils attain more highly.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
48 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
399 pupils on roll, with places for 450
Schools near Central Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watford St John's Church of England Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | 67% met the expected standard |
| Field Junior School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 85% met the expected standard |
| Watford Field School (Infant & Nursery) | 0.5 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Not published |
| Chater Junior School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 63% met the expected standard |
| Chater Infant School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Sabriye Wright
- Phone
- 01923225129
- Address
- Derby Road, Watford, WD17 2LX
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 117156
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.