Mowden Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

Pupils benefit from a warm and supportive learning environment. Staff put pupils’ needs and best interests at the centre of their work. Pupils are happy and safe in their learning and play. They know that staff care for them and want them to achieve well. Parents and carers value the support and the wider experiences that their children receive. Staff treat pupils with kindness and respect. Pupils reciprocate these behaviours in their interactions with one another and with members of staff. Bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that trusted adults will address any concerns that may arise. Pupils show consideration for one another. Pupils behave consistently well. Staff have built an environment where pupils can thrive. Pupils show respect for one another. They are keen to learn and to do well. They articulate their thoughts and opinions clearly. Staff are keen to listen to the views of pupils about their learning and other aspects of school life. Pupils know that their voices will be heard. This gives them confidence. Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences to develop their talents and interests. From sport to dance and residential trips, leaders ensure that all pupils benefit from the school’s extensive offer. Pupils develop leadership skills by supporting other pupils. They learn about the world of work by visiting local employers. Such experiences prepare them well for their next steps. The majority of pupils achieve well. By the end of key stage 2, pupils achieve very well, with outcomes significantly above those seen nationally. Leaders work carefully to identify and support those who have barriers to their learning, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils. Some pupils in lower key stage 2 do not develop foundational skills in spelling and aspects of writing as well as their peers.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should work with staff to further improve the quality of teaching so that pupils in all year groups consistently benefit from the high standards seen in the best of the school’s work.
• Leaders should work with staff to further enhance pupils’ achievement so that those pupils with gaps in their spelling, handwriting and number formation, and in their understanding and use of subject vocabulary, make the strong progress that many of their peers make.

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