Elmhurst Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Pupils thrive in a calm, welcoming and highly supportive environment where they feel safe, respected and valued. From their time in the Nursery and Reception classes, children develop confidence, independence and strong communication skills. They quickly learn to cooperate and explore their surroundings. In the Reception class, for example, children confidently share their ideas during storytelling sessions. In Year 2, pupils collaborate to design and build miniature model bridges, applying their mathematical and design and engineering skills. Across all year groups, pupils are curious, engaged and take pride in their work. Leaders are relentless in identifying and removing barriers to learning, ensuring that disadvantaged pupils or those with special educational needs and/or disabilities catch up quickly, are fully included and thrive. This highly inclusive approach means that differences between groups diminish rapidly and pupils achieve exceptionally well from their starting points. Lessons challenge pupils appropriately, from investigating scientific phenomena in practical investigations to composing original poems and performing them in assemblies. Many pupils choose to extend their learning through a range of clubs, coding projects, debate competitions and school trips, including visits to the local theatre and international art residential visits. Relationships are warm and respectful. Pupils support one another. For example, older pupils mentor younger peers, leading lunchtime reading clubs, supporting sports coaching and helping with environmental projects such as the school garden and recycling initiatives. Opportunities to foster pupils' personal development are extensive. Music performances, art exhibitions, environmental campaigns and democratic projects, such as the school council, build pupils' confidence, sense of responsibility and their leadership skills. Pupils' behaviour is consistently excellent. Pupils move calmly around the school, treat each other with respect and approach challenges with resilience and self-discipline. Bullying is rare and addressed swiftly. This gives pupils confidence that staff will act promptly. Attendance is broadly in line with national averages, and leaders continue to work closely with families to support regular attendance. Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of education, leaving with the knowledge, skills and personal qualities to thrive academically and socially.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should continue their work to promote pupils' regular attendance, including by maintaining their clear expectations of high attendance, so that attendance continues to rise and all pupils have every opportunity to benefit from the very high-quality provision the school offers.

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