Howes Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

Pupils are extremely proud to belong to this highly inclusive school. The school plays a vital part in their daily lives. It serves a community where many pupils join or leave during the school year. Therefore, the school's values of kindness and respect are central to the way everyone behaves. Pupils quickly and kindly befriend new arrivals. Pupils from all backgrounds, including those new to the country, are welcome. Leaders ensure that every pupil is fully included in school life. Pupils are especially proud of the specially resourced provision for hearing impairment. They enjoy learning sign language to help everyone to communicate across school. Parents and carers highly value the care and dedication of staff. Pupils are polite and courteous. They understand what bullying is and that it is not tolerated. Pupils feel safe, secure and cared for. Pupils' attendance is showing signs of improvement. However, too many pupils miss school too frequently. From early years onwards, children learn a broad and ambitious curriculum. Pupils make steady progress through the curriculum, including those who are disadvantaged or those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The extensive grounds and fields are a special feature of the school, and outdoor learning is well planned into the curriculum. It is a firm favourite for many. By the end of Year 6, pupils generally achieve in line with national averages. They leave well prepared for the next stage of education. Pupils speak enthusiastically about the extensive range of opportunities available. These includes visits to local and national areas of interest, art galleries and museums. Pupils help to organise events, such as the school’s recent community music festival. Pupils choose from a wide range of clubs, including knit and natter. They take pride in their leadership roles. These opportunities give pupils a voice and help them to understand democracy in action.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should check carefully that their attendance strategy is having the intended impact, particularly for pupils who are disadvantaged and/or with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and take swift action where needed.
• Leaders should continue to embed their approach to teaching and developing pupils' handwriting and spelling so that the quality of pupils' writing improves further.
• Leaders should use more detailed and insightful analysis of performance data to sharpen their identification of priorities, in order to ensure rapid and continued improvements.

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