Accrington St Mary Magdalen's Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Staff welcome pupils warmly at the start of each day. This helps pupils to settle quickly to routines. Pupils know what is expected of them, and they mostly meet these expectations. Leaders know pupils and their families very well. They use this knowledge to accurately identify barriers to learning that pupils might have. However, teaching is not adapted well enough to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and disadvantaged pupils. Pupils enjoy their learning. Adults show pupils how to have positive relationships. Pupils use these examples in their relationships with each other. Leaders have established a culture in which all pupils know that they belong. In early years, leaders have not made sure that an ambitious curriculum is in place. Leaders do not provide children with learning that helps them to secure the important knowledge that they need for Year 1 and beyond. Leaders’ recent actions have brought some improvement to pupils’ achievement, for example in phonics. However, overall, pupils are not achieving well enough. Leaders have recently established an ambitious curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6. This is not taught consistently well to pupils. When it is taught less well, this has a negative impact on pupils’ achievement. Additionally, pupils have many gaps in their previous learning. These gaps are not addressed well enough. Leaders encourage pupils to represent their peers through various leadership roles. Pupils become helpful role models for younger pupils. This supports pupils to behave well, in and out of their classrooms. Staff apply the school’s expectations consistently and kindly. If pupils struggle to manage their feelings and behaviour, staff teach effective strategies to help them. Pupils get back on track quickly. Bullying is infrequent. If it happens, adults deal with it quickly and effectively. Overall, pupils attend well. Leaders’ actions to improve attendance are bearing fruit.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that in early years the curriculum is ambitious, staff's expectations are raised, children are supported effectively, and provided with activities that help them to achieve well. • Those responsible for governance should ensure that they have an accurate view of the standard of education in the school and challenge leaders more effectively in achieving their priorities. • Leaders should make sure that the curriculum identifies the important knowledge that pupils need to learn and that teachers develop the expertise needed to deliver the curriculum consistently so that pupils achieve well, particularly in handwriting across year groups. • Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is adapted sufficiently and that their knowledge about the effectiveness of strategies to reduce gaps in pupils’ learning improves so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils achieve well.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)