Higher Walton Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 May 2026

Pupils enjoy attending this nurturing school. Staff warmly welcome them each morning and build caring relationships. As a result, pupils feel safe and trust staff. Pupils behave well and consistently meet staff’s high expectations. Leaders have established a culture of respect, where pupils value one another. Older pupils act as positive role models and enjoy taking on responsibilities, such as ‘buddies’ and ‘play leaders’. On the very rare occasion that bullying occurs, staff deal with it appropriately. Rules and routines are firmly in place. This creates a calm environment for pupils to learn and play in. Some pupils do not achieve as well as they should. Older pupils did not benefit from the positive start that younger pupils now receive. As a result, some have gaps in their learning. These gaps mean that some pupils are not as well prepared as they should be for the next stage in their education. In addition, some pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, do not attend school regularly enough. This means that they miss out on important learning. Children in the early years settle quickly into school life. Staff build positive relationships with them, which supports their confidence and wellbeing. Leaders organise the curriculum to help pupils to build on what they already know and can do. Pupils enjoy their learning and say that lessons are interesting. Teachers adapt their teaching during lessons when needed. They use their training effectively to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result, many pupils with SEND make steady progress from their starting points. Pupils enjoy the many and varied opportunities that leaders organise for them to broaden their experiences. Leaders ensure that all pupils can participate in trips, such as visits to the zoo and theatre as well as clubs, including rounders and crochet.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to improve attendance, including for pupils who are disadvantaged, so that pupils attend school regularly.
• Leaders should further improve the effectiveness of the teaching of writing across key stage 2, so that pupils' attainment rises and pupils achieve as well as they can.
• Leaders should sharpen their monitoring of the impact of provision on disadvantaged pupils so that gaps in these pupils' knowledge are closed further.

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