Lime Academy Abbotsmede

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

This welcoming school ensures that pupils feel valued and respected. Staff build warm, trusting relationships with pupils that promote a sense of security and belonging. Familiar routines help pupils settle quickly at the start of the day. Pupils gain confidence and develop positive attitudes to learning. They feel safe here. Pupils know they can talk to staff about any concerns. They use the worry box to share concerns confidentially. Pupils know that staff will address any concerns or worries quickly, including any bullying. Pupils appreciate their class safeguarding ambassador, who helps them when they need support. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable, value the pastoral support staff provide, which improves their emotional wellbeing. Pupils enjoy their time in this positive school environment. As a result, pupils’ previously low attendance is improving. Pupils progress well from their various starting points, particularly in writing and mathematics. Pupils in early years and key stage 1 benefit from recent curriculum changes to enhance the teaching of reading. Pupils achieve well in the phonics screening check, and more pupils are reaching expected standards in reading by year 6. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive effective tailored support that enables them to socialise and work with their peers. Pupils understand the school rules and behave consistently well. They play cooperatively and build supportive friendships. Pupils become self-motivated learners and work collaboratively on joint tasks. Pupils speak positively about the range of clubs available. They develop aspirations for life beyond school through visits to the local university. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe in modern society, such as not sharing personal information on line, managing road safety and knowing when to speak to trusted adults. Visits to museums, places of worship and the theatre bring the curriculum to life. They give pupils opportunities they would not otherwise have, which broadens their horizons.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to improve pupils' attendance and punctuality so that all pupils have high attendance, building on existing successes.
• Leaders should ensure that assessment is informing teaching, so it consistently develops pupils' writing and reading competencies across subjects to build effectively on what pupils already know and can do.
• Leaders should ensure that staff in early years maximise the opportunities to engage children in high-quality interactions throughout the day, proactively seeking out those who would benefit the most.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils' wider experiences are tracked routinely, ensuring that opportunities are carefully tailored to the school's context so that these are fully accessible to all pupils.

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