Highfield Farm Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils are welcomed into this school with a family feel where everyone belongs. Pupils feel safe at school. They know how to keep themselves safe both online and offline. They learn about being positive members of the community and develop characteristics that will help them in later life. Many pupils enjoy coming to school and speak positively about their teachers. However, some pupils' attendance is too low. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their learning in subjects such as science and reading. They participate in clubs that include parkour, art and a range of sports. They look forward to memorable trips such as a residential visit. These opportunities spark pupils' interest and broaden their horizons. The educational experience of pupils varies across the school. When teaching is effective, pupils are typically engaged and explain their learning well. Some pupils recall their learning with confidence and use vocabulary maturely. Older pupils explain how suffragettes fought for women's rights or demonstrate their understanding of the water cycle. There are times, however, when pupils lose focus or become frustrated when they are not undertaking appropriate tasks or receiving the support they need. This can occasionally lead to low-level disruption that slows learning. Too many pupils do not make the progress they should through the curriculum. Some have gaps in their knowledge, and these are not addressed quickly enough. This limits how well pupils are prepared for their next steps. Where pupils have barriers to learning, these are identified, and pupils are supported well. However, further work is needed to ensure that all pupils quickly secure the important foundations in reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils play together well at social times. They have positive and supportive relationships with each other and adults. They understand the importance of respect and tolerance. Bullying is rare and dealt with swiftly and decisively. Pupils know adults care about them and will listen if they have worries. They appreciate the pastoral support the school provides.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers have the knowledge, skills and expertise necessary to secure the foundations of writing and address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge effectively.
• Leaders should further develop the consistency of teaching by ensuring that tasks are closely aligned to curriculum aims and pupils’ prior knowledge so that they secure new learning more effectively.
• Leaders should continue to embed strategies to improve achievement by ensuring that historic gaps in knowledge are identified and closed quickly, particularly for younger pupils in the foundations of writing and mathematics.
• Leaders should ensure that there are consistently high expectations of pupils’ attitudes to learning.

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