Adel Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Pupils live and breathe the school’s core value of ‘kindness matters’. They show consistently high levels of respect to each other and adults. Any instances of discriminatory behaviour or language are not tolerated. Pupils describe themselves as ‘upstanders’ who would challenge any such behaviour. Their attitudes demonstrate that they are very well prepared to be positive, active members of wider British society. This school is a place where pupils are safe, cared for and supported. Pupils insist that there is no bullying and that staff are always on hand to support them with any problems that may arise. High expectations of behaviour and conduct start with the youngest children. Children in the Nursery and Reception Years follow well-established routines and demonstrate calm and orderly behaviour, for instance, when transitioning from classroom to lunchtime, they line up and walk through school sensibly. Classrooms are calm, purposeful places to learn. The exciting curriculum, taught well by creative teachers, ensures that pupils maintain an enthusiasm for learning. Staff place a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of disadvantaged pupils. Barriers to learning are identified swiftly and addressed through well-targeted support. This ensures that no pupil falls behind. Consequently, pupils progress well from their starting points. They are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education. An extensive range of extra-curricular activities affords pupils plenty of opportunities to develop their talents and interests. The school prioritises places for pupils who are disadvantaged. Older pupils benefit from undertaking leadership roles. Children in the Reception Year form positive and nurturing relationships with their Year 6 'buddies'. Members of the ‘Kindness Matters’ Council contribute to improvements to the school, such as the introduction of improved play equipment. Pupils learn important life skills by making formal applications for some of these roles or by giving presentations to their peers.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should maintain and build on the school's highly effective work to implement the recently refined assessment system, particularly to ensure pupils' standards of writing continue to match the consistently high outcomes seen in other parts of the curriculum.

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