Horton St Michael's CofE First School
Horton, Leek, ST13 8RUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Horton St Michael's CofE First School is a primary school in Leek for ages 5 to 9. It is one of the 451 schools in Staffordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 9 July 2024, report published 11 September 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 9 July 2024
Horton St Michael's CofE First School is a small school with a big heart. There is a strong sense of community and team spirit. Staff know pupils and their families very well. One parent summed up the views of many when they described the school as 'warm, friendly and nurturing'. The school is ambitious for all pupils. As a result, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), generally achieve well in most subjects. Pupils with SEND are well supported throughout the school. Staff are committed to ensuring that all pupils can learn the full curriculum. Pupils feel safe and happy in school. They enjoy lessons and pay attention in class. Younger children are enthusiastic and excited by the new things that they learn. Pupils are usually kind to each other at playtimes. Any disagreements are dealt with quickly by staff. Pupils learn about different religions and cultures through the curriculum. This helps prepare them for life in modern Britain. Pupils benefit from a range of clubs and trips, which broaden their experiences, such as visits to the theatre and places of worship. Staff also enable pupils to become active citizens, for example by raising money for charity.
What the school should improve
- Some subject curriculums have recently been revised. In these subjects, the curriculum is not as advanced as it is in other subjects and pupils have not learned as much as they could. The school should continue to support staff to embed the revised curriculum so that pupils' progress is secured and pupils can remember and apply their learning over time.
- Sometimes, teachers do not use assessment well enough. As a result, teachers do not adapt their delivery of the curriculum in response to what pupils know and can do. This slows pupils' progress. The school should support teachers to check pupils' learning systematically and use this to inform next steps in learning.
- Staff do not have high enough expectations for handwriting and presentation of work. As a result, work is sometimes hard to read and lacks pride. The school should ensure that teachers consistently have high expectations for handwriting and presentation in all subjects and classes.
Pupil numbers and mix
54 pupils on roll, with places for 79
Schools near Horton St Michael's CofE First School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moor First School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Not published |
| Rushton CofE First School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | Not published |
| St Edward's Church of England Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 59% met the expected standard |
| Westwood First School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Woodcroft Academy | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIES TRUST
- Age range
- 5 to 9
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Rebecca Walker
- Phone
- 01538306278
- Address
- Horton, Leek, ST13 8RU
- Local authority
- Staffordshire
- URN
- 146126
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.