Drake Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils benefit from the school’s clear vision of Trust, Love, Courage and Forgiveness. Staff care skilfully for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged. Staff greet pupils warmly as they arrive in school each day, which reflects their positive relationships. Staff provide thoughtful support that helps pupils succeed. For example, pupils in the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND begin each day with purposeful activities that ensure a positive start. In all key stages, staff successfully reduce barriers to learning for pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged. This helps these pupils to access the curriculum alongside their peers. However, some pupils do not achieve as well as they should. For example, pupils' attainment in tests in mathematics and writing at the end of key stage 2 is below the national average. This is because the curriculum is not taught consistently well. However, in other subjects, pupils' learning is more secure. In particular, children in the early years develop the knowledge that they need in readiness for Year 1. Pupils benefit from the highly effective personal development programme. They particularly relish the rich range of wider opportunities provided to them. These include sports, clubs and cultural events that build confidence, interests and new skills. Leaders ensure that all pupils can access these opportunities. Pupils approach learning with confidence and engage well with others. They develop knowledge about relationships, health and diversity. This prepares them well for life in modern Britain. Pupils behave well. They understand the school's rules and follow well-established routines. Pupils typically focus well on their learning. They learn to show respect and kindness. Pupils say bullying is rare and trust staff to act quickly if it occurs. Pupils feel safe because they form trusting relationships with staff, starting in the early years. Pupils typically attend school regularly.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff in key stage 1 and key stage 2 have the subject knowledge and expertise that they need to teach all subjects effectively, so that pupils in Year 1 and beyond learn successfully across the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that staff use assessment effectively in key stage 1 and key stage 2 to precisely identify important gaps in pupils’ knowledge, so that these can be addressed swiftly.
• Those responsible for governance should continue to evaluate the impact of leaders’ work to improve the curriculum and teaching, particularly in relation to writing and mathematics, so pupils achieve better in national assessments.

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