Merchant Taylors' School vs Willow Tree Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in East of England, England, 1.2 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Merchant Taylors' School
Northwood · Independent secondary · Ages 11–18
1,051 students
Willow Tree Primary School
Watford · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
185 students
| Measure | Merchant Taylors' School Northwood, East of England | Willow Tree Primary School Watford, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 22 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #404 of 460 | #1404 of 1,872 |
| National rank | #3369 of 4,090 | #11578 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Independent | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 3–11 |
| Students | 1,051 | 185 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,051 | 185 |
| Free school meals | – | 29.2% |
| Capacity filled | 89.4% | 67.5% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 21.7 | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 0% | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 0% | – |
| EBacc average points | 1.22 | – |
| A level points per entry | 48.6 | – |
| town | Northwood | Watford |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | www.mtsn.org.uk/ | www.willowtree.herts.sch.uk |
The verdict
- •Willow Tree Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (33.3 vs 22.3).
- •Merchant Taylors' School is the larger school with 1,051 students compared with 185.
- •Merchant Taylors' School is a independent school while Willow Tree Primary School is a academy school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Merchant Taylors' School is boys and Willow Tree Primary School is co-educational.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Merchant Taylors' School better than Willow Tree Primary School?
On the Success Index (England), Willow Tree Primary School ranks higher (33.3 vs 22.3 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Merchant Taylors' School and Willow Tree Primary School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Northwood and Watford in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Merchant Taylors' School: 1,051. Willow Tree Primary School: 185. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Merchant Taylors' School and Willow Tree Primary School rank in East of England?
Merchant Taylors' School is 404th of 460 and Willow Tree Primary School is 1404th of 1,872 among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).