Watford Grammar School for Girls

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

Lady's Close, Watford, WD18 0AEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Watford Grammar School for Girls is a secondary school in Watford for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 1st of 6 secondary schools in Watford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2024.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 5 March 2024, report published 24 April 2024

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 March 2024

Pupils are rightly proud to attend this remarkable school. Pupils are caring, kind and considerate of others. Being a 'Watford Girl' is important because it gives pupils a strong sense of belonging, heritage and shared values. While recognising its rich history, the school continues to adapt and evolve to provide the best opportunities for pupils. The school has a high ambition for what all pupils can achieve. This means that pupils, regardless of their starting points, achieve well and participate highly in the wide range of opportunities that the school offers. Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils consistently rise to meet these. Pupils are well cared for through their daily interactions with staff, effective pastoral support and weekly academic tutoring sessions, where their progress and well-being are discussed. Pupils come from a diverse range of backgrounds. They appreciate how well the school helps them to understand diversity in their school community and the wider world. One pupil expressed what many felt, 'We're not just tolerant of difference. The school helps us to celebrate it'. This is promoted through the curriculum, visiting speakers and work in the local community.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

208 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score68.2

68.2, 22.1 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths83.2%

83.2%, 37.8 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths91.3%

91.3%, 26.5 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc75.5%

75.5%, 35 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score6.38

6.38, 2.29 above the England average of 4.09.

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

204 students

Average point score per A level entry39.47

39.47, 4.47 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,427 pupils on roll, with places for 1,450

Eligible for free school meals6.7%

6.7%, 19.8 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language32.8%

32.8%, 11.2 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support4.2%

4.2%, 10.6 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1.1%

1.1%, 4.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Watford Grammar School for Girls

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Watford Grammar School for Boys0.7 milesReport card: Strong standard to exceptionalAttainment 8: 68.9
Westfield Academy0.9 milesOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 41.4
The Grange Academy1 mileOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 41.3
Queens' School1 mileOfsted judgements: OutstandingAttainment 8: 57.5
The Purcell School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 47.7

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
WATFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Girls
Religious character
Church of England
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Chris Wilshaw
Address
Lady's Close, Watford, WD18 0AE
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
136289

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.