Highbury Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 November 2025

Pupils are positive about their school. They appreciate belonging to this supportive and nurturing community. Pupils are happy and they feel very safe. They socialise well together at breaktimes, enjoying the variety of activities available to them. Unkindness and bullying do not concern pupils because they are very rare. Pupils trust staff to help them resolve any worries or concerns that they might have. Pupils really appreciate the school's far-reaching pastoral work, particularly the support offered for their mental health. Pupils benefit from a range of approaches that support their welfare. Furthermore, pupil wellbeing ambassadors help their peers understand how to care for others and address friendship issues. All of this means pupils are keen to come to school and attendance is high. The school aspires for all pupils to achieve well, both personally and academically. Inclusion for all is a real strength. Leaders make sure that pupils' individual needs are known and addressed well. This gives everyone every chance of being successful. Classrooms are calm, focused places. Generally, pupils are attentive and they work hard. They enjoy explaining their ideas and sharing the new knowledge that they have acquired. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, learn the knowledge and skills they need to be ready for secondary school by the end of Year 6. Pupils benefit from a range of opportunities that enhance and enrich the curriculum. The school makes effective use of the wealth of resources available in the local area, such as museums and leisure facilities. Pupils enjoy learning about the history of their city and the famous people associated with it, such as King Henry VIII. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe around water through visits to the beach and swimming lessons. This is particularly important in this coastal community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to improve the effectiveness of teaching to ensure that it consistently supports pupils to learn the important knowledge they need to be ready for their next steps. This includes learning basic skills, such as letter formation and multiplication tables, in English and mathematics.

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