Chalford Hill Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 November 2025

Pupils enjoy coming to this welcoming school where kindness sits at its heart. Pupils describe a deep sense of belonging at Chalford Hill. Everyone is accepted and celebrated as an individual. The school's values to be 'curious, unique, respectful and empowered' are central to the school's work. There are many opportunities for pupils to thrive as young leaders and support others. For example, house captains organise Christmas activities for younger pupils. As well as this, pupils learn to be organised and meet deadlines. Pupils value the extensive range of opportunities beyond the academic offer. There are many clubs that enrich their academic pursuits. Particular favourites include 'news desk' and the opportunities for sporting events such as rugby tournaments and netball. Trips and visits link to the curriculum, for example to the local arboretum. Pupils gain a clear sense of social responsibility, including through work with the local community and through 'Chalford challenge' days, where pupils learn new skills for life. Pupils receive high-quality pastoral support and this ensures that they thrive personally. Relationships with staff and pupils are very respectful. Pupils typically live up to the school's high expectations of behaviour and conduct. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that adults will help them get to the root cause of any falling out. This means that any disagreements are resolved quickly with few recurrences. Pupils are well prepared for their next stage of education. They learn the ambitious curriculum effectively, and make connections across subjects. For example, they write cohesively and with the complexity expected for their age in other subjects such as history, geography and science. Pupils gain a breadth of general knowledge and relish debating big ideas such as 'the point of laws and rules'. Any gaps in pupils' learning are identified and addressed effectively.

What the school should improve

• The school should ensure that teachers use assessment information accurately to consolidate what pupils learn by building effectively on their prior learning.
• The school should ensure that teachers maximise opportunities so they engage pupils, particularly children in the early years and key stage 1, in high-quality interactions that develop and extend their knowledge and vocabulary.

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