Lift Newington

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 June 2025

Pupils are happy at this large and diverse school. They have positive attitudes to their learning. The relationships between pupils and teachers are respectful. Pupils are well supported by a team of adults who prioritise their safety and mental well-being. As a result, pupils feel safe and cared for. During lessons, pupils work hard. Classrooms are calm and productive places. The school's recently reviewed behaviour policy is implemented consistently well. There is a strong culture that recognises and celebrates pupils' achievements. At lunchtimes, pupils play harmoniously together. Pupils working as 'fit and fun' leaders encourage their friends to stay active. Other roles that pupils have, such as 'dinner monitors' and 'digital leaders', help them to understand the importance of leadership and responsibility. Pupils experience a range of opportunities to see the world beyond Hull. They enjoy their residential visits to Edinburgh and Doncaster. All staff are aspirational for their pupils. They are determined that pupils will achieve highly. In most subjects, these ambitions are fulfilled. Pupils rise to teachers' high expectations. Pupils are proud of the work they produce. When asked to describe their school pupils say, rightly, that 'at Newington, you are believed in and encouraged'.

What the school should improve

• For some pupils with SEND, the work they are given is not focused on what they need to learn next. This means that these pupils do not make as much progress in their learning as they might. The school should ensure that the work given to pupils with SEND is based on an accurate understanding of their needs and next steps in learning.
• In some subjects, the school has not yet completed the curriculum changes it is making. Consequently, pupils' learning in key stage 2 does not build carefully enough on what they have learned before. This leads to gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school should complete the changes to the curriculum so that pupils' later learning builds in a more meaningful and logical way on the key stage 1 curriculum.
• In some curriculum subjects, the new vocabulary that the school intends pupils to learn is not prioritised consistently. Sometimes too much is introduced at once. As a result, pupils do not remember definitions of important vocabulary. The school should ensure that the subject-specific words and language it wants pupils to learn is taught in a way that helps pupils to remember and use it appropriately in their work.

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