Locking Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 June 2026

Pupils flourish at this highly inclusive school. From Nursery Year onwards, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), develop a clear sense of belonging. They attend well and understand how the school’s values help them to face and overcome challenges, make the right choices and work together. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. This starts in Nursery Year where children develop a sense of curiosity and sustain their attention when completing learning activities. Pupils in Year 6 benefit from leaders’ drive to raise standards. Typically, pupils achieve well and build the knowledge they need to succeed. Staff expertly remove any barriers that pupils with SEND face. Pupils, including those who attend the specially resourced provision, ‘treetops’, make positive progress from their individual starting points. Pupils are increasingly well prepared for the next stage of their education. Leaders have significantly raised expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. Staff consistently apply the school’s behaviour policy. Pupils show high levels of courtesy and respect, greeting adults with a smile. Warm and caring relationships are central to the school’s approach. Staff take time to get to know and celebrate pupils’ individual qualities. Bullying is rare. If it did happen, pupils are confident that adults will deal with it swiftly. Across the school, pupils feel safe and trust adults to help them with any worries or concerns that may arise. Pupils enjoy the range of clubs, trips and activities on offer to them. They talk positively about attending clubs such as football and choir, going on trips to a local zoo and taking part in a residential visit. Pupils take pride in their leadership opportunities, such as school councillor and ‘anti bullying ambassador’. They know how these roles improve their school and help them to set a positive example for others.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure that teachers consistently check pupils’ understanding so that misconceptions are identified and swiftly addressed.
• Leaders should continue their work to improve pupils’ achievement so that more pupils deepen their understanding and achieve highly across the curriculum.

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