Downham Feoffees Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

Pupils enjoy attending this happy school. They like learning an engaging, well thought-out curriculum. This is taught well. Staff know pupils, and treat them as individuals. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported to access the curriculum. As a result, from Reception onwards, pupils build knowledge across the curriculum, including in reading, writing and mathematics. Typically, pupils achieve in line with national averages. They are well prepared for their next steps. Pupils behave well. Pupils know what is expected of them and most strive to be the best they can be. Pupils on the school council helped to develop rules around behaviour, school values, and the rewards system. This input means that pupils feel valued. This helps to motivate them. If pupils have any worries, they know that staff will listen to and support them. If pupils need support to manage their feelings or to focus on their work, staff teach them the strategies to do so. At social times, pupils of all ages play and interact positively with each other. They treat others with courtesy, tolerance and respect. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. They learn about how people are different but equal. Pupils enjoy learning about growing up. They learn how to navigate through the challenges this brings. They know the features of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and the importance of consent. They know how to manage their physical and mental health. They know how to keep safe. Many pupils attend clubs such as chess, arts and sports clubs. They enjoy school trips and other opportunities, including a cultural showcase with other trust schools, a residential, and visits to wildlife parks. This programme stimulates pupils' interests. Leaders have plans to widen the range of opportunities available to pupils.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that their work ensures consistently strong outcomes for all groups of pupils by the end of key stage 2.
• Leaders should further improve the consistency of feedback across the curriculum so that pupils are precisely supported to understand and act upon feedback to improve their work.
• Leaders should build on their work to provide a broad, rich enrichment offer that develops pupils' confidence and raises their aspirations, and ensure, through rigorous monitoring, high levels of participation of all groups in these opportunities.
• Leaders should refine and develop their work so that groups of pupils across the school have consistently high rates of attendance.

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