Morley Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

With remarkable unity, pupils and staff embrace the passion and sense of togetherness within 'the Morley Feeling’. Pupils love their school and, as a result, attend regularly. They care for their peers. Older pupils serve as excellent role models. As playground buddies, they look out for younger pupils and teach them the school's values. Pupils know how to build positive relationships. When disagreements arise, they sensibly find solutions. On the rare occasions when bullying happens, staff support pupils effectively and it stops and does not continue. Because ‘the Morley Feeling’ is so well established, pupils feel safe. Pupils show a passion for learning. They enthusiastically explore new ideas and work hard in lessons. When learning something tricky, pupils encourage and support each other and celebrate success. Children in the early years know that learning is important. They develop positive learning habits. For example, they maintain their concentration and listen to others during class discussions. Leaders and staff know pupils’ specific needs. They support pupils effectively to overcome barriers to learning that they may face. As a result, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities or who are disadvantaged, learn successfully. This is particularly noticeable in the results that pupils achieve in published outcomes. Leaders prepare pupils well for their next steps in life after primary school. Pupils enjoy lots of opportunities to engage with the world around them. These include chances for pupils to apply the curriculum in real-world situations. For example, through partnerships with local scientists, pupils piece together horse skeletons using real bones to enhance their understanding of biology. Pupils particularly value educational visits to places of local, national and international interest. They speak confidently about their local heritage in Morley, Derby and Derbyshire.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers provide pupils with further opportunities to review prior learning so that they are supported to remember key knowledge in the long term. • Leaders should provide appropriate training and support for staff in the early years to further develop children's spoken language, to ensure that children achieve all that they are capable of.

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