Barnby Dun Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

Pupils are happy and safe at Barnby Dun Primary Academy. They are proud of their school and benefit from a wide range of opportunities to enhance their primary school experience. Pupil leadership is a strength, where pupils can contribute positively to their school community. This is in roles such as reading ambassadors, eco warriors, members of the pupil parliament or being a part of the Kindness Crew. Pupils take these roles very seriously. They contribute to school policy, lead assemblies and are committed ambassadors for the school. There is a strong sense of belonging. Pupils are valued, respected and cared for by staff. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), those known to social care, those who are looked after or those who are disadvantaged, all thrive in a culture that supports them to do well. The vast majority of pupils attend school regularly. Pupils rise to leaders' high expectations of behaviour. Classrooms, including those in the early years, are calm and purposeful, and learning is not disrupted. Pupils are understanding of some of their peers who might need extra help to regulate their behaviour and emotions. Pupils treat one another with kindness and consideration. Pupils say that bullying rarely happens, but that staff would act swiftly to provide the right support if it did. Consequently, pupils feel safe in school. Pupils are confident and articulate and have excellent manners. Pupils participate enthusiastically in a well-designed and purposeful curriculum. Teachers make sure that pupils understand what they are learning and build carefully on prior knowledge. Pupils strive to do well and take pride in their work. They understand the importance of working hard and aspire to succeed. Pupils, including those with SEND or those who are disadvantaged, achieve well and are very well prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to strengthen the support provided for disadvantaged pupils so that they make consistently strong progress through the curriculum to achieve outcomes at the end of key stage 2 that exceed national expectations.
• Leaders should continue to strengthen their work to ensure that a greater proportion of pupils attain the higher standard in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of key stage 2.

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