St Meryl School, Watford
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 6 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
St Meryl School creates a warm, inclusive environment where children thrive. The school excels at teaching early reading and supporting all learners, including those with additional needs and those learning English as another language. Staff use creative, real-life learning activities that help pupils understand why their learning matters and maintain positive attitudes to school.
Key Strengths
- Strong focus on early reading through structured phonics teaching
- Inclusive approach with effective support for pupils with additional needs and those learning English as additional language
- Well-planned curriculum that helps pupils build and retain knowledge in clear sequences
- High priority on attendance with strong tracking systems and family support
- Positive school culture where pupils show kindness, respect and take responsibility
Areas for Improvement
- Some teaching lacks precision about what pupils should learn, making it harder for them to remember new knowledge
- Staff do not always explain new concepts clearly enough
- Language development during informal playtimes could be stronger
- Pupils occasionally become over-excitable in lessons
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Working with musicians from Electric Umbrella, producing artwork for local exhibitions, community events, charity fundraising, school council, creative and physical activities
St Meryl School provides education across expected standards with a broad and interesting curriculum. The school has an open safeguarding culture where pupils feel safe and leaders take swift action to improve outcomes.
At a Glance
11.1%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
Yes
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Primary Performance (KS2)
Academic year 2025/26KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)
Reading has remained stable at around 67%. Maths has remained stable at around 73%. Writing has declined from 80% to 70%.
Class Sizes
28.7
Avg class size
27.7
Infant (KS1)
29.5
KS2
7
Total classes
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
Commute Calculator
Find out if this school is reachable from your home - before you apply
What are my chances?
Enter your postcode to estimate your probability of getting a place.
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
91%
Near capacity
219 pupils
240 capacity
21 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Watford
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Watford
Admissions Demand - Hertfordshire
Places available
14,951
Applications
12,834
Got 1st preference
88.0%
Got preferred school
98.2%
Primary admissions across Hertfordshire (2025/26)
Inspection History(7)
House Prices
Moving into the catchment? See what homes near this school actually cost
SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
4.88525%
Overall absence
9.83607%
Persistent absence
183
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
No reviews yet - be the first to leave one.
Secondary Schools Nearby
Secondary schools pupils are likely to move to
St Meryl School
Nearby Schools
Do you work at this school?
Claim your profile free to get a verified badge, update your contact details, and see how many parents are viewing your page.