Mills Hill Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 April 2026

The school’s motto, 'enquiring minds and caring hearts', is lived out in daily life at Mills Hill Primary. Pupils are warmly welcomed into school by staff who care about them and encourage them to shine. Pupils, including those who face disadvantages, enjoy their learning and are eager to talk about what they are working on. From the beginning of the early years, children thrive. Staff know every child well and build trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe and confident. Across key stages, pupils benefit from effective and inclusive teaching. A broad curriculum helps them build knowledge securely over time. Pupils make secure progress from their starting points. They are well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Pupils thrive in calm and supportive surroundings. Behaviour is positive and respectful. For example, pupils listen politely to each other, wait for their turn to speak and contribute in a mature way to group discussions. Pupils report that bullying is rare and staff deal with any unkind behaviour quickly and effectively. Pupils want to come to school. Their rates of attendance are high. Leaders place equal emphasis on pupils’ personal development as they do their academic achievement. Wider curriculum subjects such as music, drama and physical education are afforded high importance. Pupils are encouraged to play musical instruments such as brass instruments and flute. Many sing in the school choir too. Regular performances in school enable pupils to proudly showcase their talents and develop confidence in their own ability. By attending drama shows at local secondary schools, pupils gain inspiration to be creative and develop their theatrical skills. Pupils of all abilities are proud and enthusiastic to represent their school in local sports competitions.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are purposeful and provide effective catch-up when needed. In addition, pupils' education, health and care plans should be carefully considered when making these adaptations.
• Leaders should support staff to strengthen the teaching of writing and spelling so that this is coherent, consistent and effective across all phases of the school.

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