Marlborough School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 June 2026

Pupils enjoy their learning and are enthusiastic about what being a pupil at Marlborough School offers them. Pupils attend highly. They come into school with a spring in their step, ready for what they day ahead holds. All pupils being included is at the heart of Marlborough School. It is underpinned by the school motto: ‘A rising tide lifts all ships’. Staff know pupils well. Relationships between staff and pupils are respectful and caring. Older pupils are positive role models for younger pupils through their ambassador roles and the 'Packet Ship' groups. These important responsibilities develop character and confidence. There are opportunities for all pupils to contribute to the life of the school through a highly successful school parliament. Pupils gain a sense of belonging. They take pride in the difference they make in their school community. Pupils achieve well, typically securing standards in reading, writing and mathematics that are higher than their peers nationally. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities or other barriers to learning, development or wellbeing benefit from a highly inclusive culture. They get the right support at the right time, progressing well, academically, from their starting points. As a result, they are increasingly achieving in line with disadvantaged pupils nationally. A range of extra-curricular clubs, trips and residential visits further enhance pupils’ learning and broadens their experiences. Pupils feel safe in school. Bullying and unkind behaviour are rare. Pupils trust school staff to help them or their peers in these aspects, if required. Pupils show high levels of tolerance and respect for difference. Pupils recognise the importance of their own uniqueness and they value and respect this in each other. Playtimes are happy times to socialise and play with friends. The outdoor space provides pupils with opportunities to develop independence and hone their risk awareness. The ‘Marlborough Manners’ are well understood and demonstrated clearly across the school. Pupils gain a well-rounded academic and personal development education that prepares them well for life beyond primary school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the pupils' learning across the wider curriculum prepares them well for the rigour of the subject-specific secondary curriculum.
• Leaders should continue to develop and empower all staff to be fully consistent in their roles to drive improvements across the school, and sustain leaders’ ambitious vision, high expectations and approach to education for all pupils.

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