Holden Clough Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Pupils are greeted each morning by staff who know them well. They enter school happily and are eager to learn. Pupils who may face difficulties, including those with special educational needs and/ or disabilities, are identified early. They flourish due to the additional support that they receive from well-trained adults. This allows pupils to settle into the daily routines quickly. Through the warm and trusting relationships with staff, pupils develop a sense of belonging and security. They are safe and understand how to manage age-appropriate risk, such as working and playing online. Pupils are confident that their trusted adults are on hand to support with any worries they may have, including any rare concerns about bullying. Pupils know how to seek support if needed. A love of learning permeates this school. Pupils enjoy reading and know how this helps them to build their knowledge across subjects. Pupils behave well in class and around school. They are proud of their school and their rates of attendance are high. In lessons, pupils show dedication to their learning and an eagerness to do their best. They speak with enthusiasm about what they have learned. Pupils achieve very well. By the end of Year 6, their attainment is above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics. As a result, they are ready for the move into secondary education. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. They benefit from a range of opportunities in their school and community to become responsible citizens. Many take on leadership roles, such as sports leaders and mental health ambassadors. They speak with excitement about changes that they have influenced, such as the ‘Funday Monday’ to promote attendance. They value the opportunity to have their voices heard and make a positive contribution to their school and their wider community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum provides pupils of all ages, including children in the early years, with more opportunities to write at greater depth.
• Leaders should continue their work to build pupils' resilience so that they are better equipped to resolve conflict and disagreements without over-reliance on adults.

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