Cavendish Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

Pupils flourish in a school that provides a safe and nurturing environment. They feel valued and eager to learn. Leaders have worked to improve attendance. As a result, most pupils now attend regularly. On arrival, staff welcome pupils warmly, which supports a positive and purposeful transition into learning. Well-established morning routines enable pupils to consolidate their knowledge of grammar, spelling, reading and number. In the early years, children engage with stories and active learning, supported by high-quality interactions from adults. Pupils know how to keep themselves safe in the community and online. Weekly safeguarding questions encourage pupils to think carefully about risks, recognise potential dangers and understand when to seek help. From the early years onwards, staff encourage pupils to make safe choices and show respect for themselves and others. The curriculum is broad, well organised and matched to pupils’ needs. Pupils benefit from consistent teaching that enables them to typically make effective progress through the curriculum from their individual starting points. The school promotes high aspirations to help pupils achieve ambitious goals. Pupils learn about inspirational individuals, including sports personalities, performers and campaigners for women’s rights. These role models are thoughtfully linked to school values. Pupils behave well and receive rewards for making the right choices. They demonstrate the school’s values of kindness and respect in their interactions with others. Those who require additional support for their learning and/or wellbeing receive timely and nurturing provision. As a result, disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities make secure progress through the curriculum. Pupils enjoy a wide range of opportunities to develop their leadership skills through roles such as eco warriors, reading ambassadors and school councillors. These responsibilities enable them to contribute to school improvement and make a positive difference to the life of the school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to embed their attendance strategy so that attendance rates for pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, are consistently in line with or above national averages.
• Leaders should use their checks on learning to further identify relevant support so that pupils receive effective adaptations across the whole curriculum.
• Leaders should embed effective teaching approaches consistently across the school, enabling pupils to apply their learning confidently and attain outcomes that are above national averages over time.

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