Arksey Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils feel a deep sense of belonging at this extremely welcoming school. They enjoy coming to school, arriving with highly positive attitudes and ready to learn. Pupils know that adults in school will listen to them. They feel that they can talk to staff about anything. This helps pupils to feel safe and supported. The carefully designed curriculum builds pupils’ learning and broadens their experience. Pupils, including those with barriers to their learning, benefit from leaders’ determination that teaching is of a consistently high quality. Pupils attend regularly and achieve very well. Pupils learn to respect one another, understanding the importance of treating others fairly and demonstrating this in their day-to-day interactions. For example, they support new pupils to settle through their warm and welcoming attitudes. Pupils thrive in a calm, supportive environment where adults respond quickly when help is needed. Clear routines and consistent expectations enable them to behave very well. Pupils play purposefully and collaboratively at playtimes. These social times are well structured and engaging. Pupils are reflective and behave with integrity. Leaders have created a culture in which pupils have the confidence to call out unacceptable behaviour or attitudes. High-quality support for pupils' social and emotional development also supports this. Pupils take responsibility for maintaining a positive culture. They confidently address unkind behaviour themselves and work together to resolve issues. Any issues, such as bullying, are dealt with swiftly. Opportunities such as class jobs, voting systems and shared decision making help pupils feel valued and listened to. As a result, relationships between pupils and staff are positive and respectful. Pupils are proud to be part of the school community. Pupils articulate the roles that they have in school confidently. They are proud of their contributions to school life. For example, pupils take on roles in the 'FUN*Raising' team, which helps to raise money for playground equipment. The 'tech team' helpfully supports with any technology troubleshooting needs.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to further refine the highly effective assessment systems that are in place to further build on the positive impact of teaching and learning on pupils' achievement.

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