Watling View School

  • Special
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 2 to 19
Ofsted: Good

Watling View, St Albans, AL1 2NUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Watling View School is a special school in St Albans for ages 2 to 19. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in June 2016.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 21 June 2016, report published 6 September 2016

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Sixth form provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 April 2025

Pupils thrive here. There is a wide range of opportunities that spark curiosity, build their confidence and create joy throughout the school day. They love exploring the dark room and sensory room, where calming lights, sounds and textures create magical spaces to relax. Older pupils proudly help as librarians or take shifts in the school's 'Nourish to Flourish' café. They welcome and serve guests while growing in their confidence, teamwork and responsibility. Many pupils arrive with different starting points. Some find it hard to manage new experiences or take on challenging tasks. This can lead to behaviour that is difficult or unsafe. However, strong, trusting relationships with consistent and highly skilled staff help pupils to feel secure. Staff recognise early signs of distress, prevent difficulties and gently encourage pupils to face new challenges. The result is typically calm, positive behaviour. Pupils engage with real enthusiasm in a setting that helps them to feel happy and safe. There are high expectations for pupils. These are seen in the skilful way staff guide pupils to use communication strategies to express their thoughts, wants and needs. Pupils benefit from a carefully constructed curriculum. There are robust systems to review pupils' progress that support high ambition, which is reflected in many students successfully moving on to college.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

6 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 62 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Pupil numbers and mix

115 pupils on roll

Eligible for free school meals37.4%

37.4%, 10.9 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language40.9%

40.9%, 19.3 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Watling View School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Heathlands School2 milesOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 6.4
Batchwood School2 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 11.8
Radlett Lodge School3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Garston Manor School3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 0.7
Woodfield School4 milesOfsted judgements: Good0% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community special school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
2 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mr Andy Scott
Address
Watling View, St Albans, AL1 2NU
Local authority
Hertfordshire
URN
117683

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.