Croxley Danes School

  • Secondary
  • Free school
  • Ages 11 to 18
Report card: Expected standard to strong standard

Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, WD3 3LROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Croxley Danes School is a secondary school in Rickmansworth for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 3rd of 5 secondary schools in Rickmansworth. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in February 2026.

Ofsted report card

Inspected 24 February 2026, report published 27 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
Strong standard
Personal development and wellbeing
Expected standard
Leadership and governance
Strong standard
Post-16 provision
Expected standard
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 February 2026

Pupils benefit from a broad curriculum that is taught consistently well. They enjoy their lessons and attend school regularly. They benefit from a range of activities that support their learning including practical science experiments. This deepens their understanding and brings learning to life. Staff identify pupils’ starting points quickly and recognise barriers to learning such as lower reading skills. Pupils receive prompt support when needed. Lessons are adapted effectively to meet different needs. As a result, pupils achieve well from their varied starting points and blossom here. Staff know pupils well and demonstrate high levels of care. They respond quickly and effectively to any worries or concerns. Pupils feel safe and secure because staff look after them and act promptly when issues arise. For example, Year 7 pupils initially use separate toilets so they feel comfortable as they settle into school life. Pupils are taught about differences and the importance of respecting others. They learn how to discuss different views in a thoughtful and respectful way. They appreciate opportunities to debate topics such as current affairs. Pupils treat each other with kindness and form positive friendships. Many take part in a wide range of clubs and trips, ensuring there is something to interest everyone. On the rare occasion that unkindness occurs, staff deal with it well, often using educational approaches such as assemblies to reinforce expectations. Behaviour in lessons is consistently positive. Pupils remain focused and are keen to do well. Disruption is rare, allowing pupils to concentrate fully on their learning. During social times, pupils maintain the same high standards of conduct.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders should ensure pupils are well supported to respond to feedback so they can improve their work, deepen their understanding and make consistently sustained progress from their various starting points.
  • Leaders should more closely analyse the impact of the personal development programme, including in the sixth form, to ensure it builds pupils’ knowledge effectively over time and prepares them well for their next steps.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

178 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score51.3

51.3, 5.2 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths50%

50%, 4.6 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths69.7%

69.7%, 4.9 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc46.6%

46.6%, 6.1 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.65

4.65, 0.56 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

106 students

Average point score per A level entry31.03

31.03, 3.97 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,049 pupils on roll, with places for 1,206

Eligible for free school meals14.8%

14.8%, 11.7 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language27.1%

27.1%, 5.5 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10%

10%, 4.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan5.2%

5.2%, 0.8 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Croxley Danes School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Watford Grammar School for Boys0.8 milesReport card: Strong standard to exceptionalAttainment 8: 68.9
Westfield Academy0.8 milesOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 41.4
Rickmansworth School1 mileOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 61.2
Merchant Taylors' School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 21.7
Watford Grammar School for Girls1 mileOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 68.2

School details

School type
Free schools
Sector
Free school
Trust
DANES EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Andy Harris
Address
Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, WD3 3LR
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
144402

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.