Houghton Regis Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 July 2025

This is a friendly, happy school, where pupils accept everyone's differences. Pupils are respectful to staff. They know that staff will take care of them and they have someone they are comfortable to talk to. Pupils do not achieve as well as they could. Sometimes, staff do not have high expectations. Pupils can listen well and contribute to the work that they are doing. However, despite reminders, some pupils struggle to do this. This means that others find it difficult to concentrate on their learning. Pupils enjoy their breaktimes and lunchtimes because they can play with their friends. The playground is zoned for different activities and the number of activities that pupils can do has increased. As a result, playtimes are happier times of the school day. However, there are still a number of poor behaviour incidents at playtimes. Pupils have a vast range of leadership opportunities. All pupils vote for who is suitable for these positions once the candidates have spoken publicly. Older pupils also develop their confidence by being prefects. There is a range of clubs, including film, art and football, that pupils can attend to explore their talents and interests. However, pupils' learning about other cultures is limited.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, staff do not have the relevant knowledge or skills to understand and deliver the curriculum content. This includes not addressing pupils' errors or misconceptions. As a result, pupils do not secure the knowledge leaders intend in some subjects. The school should ensure that all staff have the knowledge and skills required so they can understand the content of these subjects and are clear on what pupils are to know, how it is to be taught and by when.
• The early years curriculum lacks ambition, which is demonstrated in the learning environment and learning opportunities available for children. Therefore, children do not receive the breadth of curriculum they should in order to be well prepared for learning in Year 1. The school should ensure that the early years curriculum is stimulating and well sequenced, and embraces children's curiosity, preparing them fully for Year 1.
• Staff do not have the same high expectations of pupils' behaviour and therefore behaviour is managed inconsistently. Consequently, some pupils' learning is disrupted. The school should ensure that all staff have the same high expectations of behaviour and apply these consistently.
• The curriculum does not enable pupils to develop a clear knowledge and understanding of different faiths and cultures. As a result, some pupils cannot engage with beliefs that are different to their own. The school should ensure that the curriculum is designed to enable pupils to explore different faiths and cultures so they can engage with others' views and opinions.

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