Knockhall Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Pupils achieve well because they enjoy learning and value their education. They show curiosity, confidence and pride in their work. Pupils progress well from their starting points and achieve well across the curriculum. They apply what they know and explain their thinking clearly. Disadvantaged pupils and those known, or previously known, to children’s social care achieve well because staff identify needs early and provide timely support. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities succeed because staff effectively reduce barriers to learning. Teaching includes opportunities for pupils to develop their independence and critical thinking. Pupils use assistive technology confidently to access learning and show what they know. This means that pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education. Pupils feel valued members of the school community. Strong relationships underpin this culture. Pupils trust adults and value their support. They celebrate difference and show genuine respect for one another. Activities such as ‘where in the world Wednesday’ give pupils meaningful opportunities to share cultures, languages and experiences. Pupils enjoy learning about each other and speak proudly about their backgrounds. Parents echo this sense of belonging. Pupils say that 'everyone has a voice and everyone is equal'. These experiences extend learning and strengthen pupils’ understanding of community. Pupils thrive because they behave well and feel safe. They remain calm and focused in lessons and play kindly at playtimes. Staff manage behaviour consistently and address any issues quickly and effectively. Pupils attend increasingly regularly and enjoy coming to school. Initiatives such as ‘feel safe Fridays’ teach pupils how to keep themselves safe and extends their learning beyond just the academic. Pupils develop robust knowledge of water safety, road safety and travel safety. Older pupils learn about consent and radicalisation. They show maturity and pride in this knowledge. Pupils understand modern Britain and want to contribute positively to their school, local and wider community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to build the capacity and expertise of the local academy committee so that it provides consistent support and robust challenge to leaders in all aspects of the school’s work.
• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is taught to a consistently high standard and that learning in all subjects is secured quickly and shaped carefully to match the needs of all pupils.
• Leaders should sustain and develop a highly effective culture of attendance in order to secure high attendance for all pupils.

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