Newton Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

Pupils are proud to attend Newton Primary School. They arrive happy and look forward to the day ahead. On the whole, pupils embody the school values of gratitude, respect, opportunity and wonder. Morning times are a hive of activity. Older pupils prepare baskets of fruit for younger children and take part in mindfulness activities. Younger pupils hang up their bags, settle to colouring-in or play well together. Staff have a positive presence on the playground at the start of the day. This helps pupils to feel welcome and safe. Pupils know that when bullying or fallouts happen, they know that it will be dealt with swiftly and effectively. In lessons, some pupils struggle to maintain focus on the task at hand. This hinders their learning. At social times, pupils play well together. They chat, play football or take part in crafting activities. While pupils achieve well in the reading and mathematics tests at the end of key stage 2, their progress through other curriculum areas is uneven. As such, they are not as well prepared as they should be for the next stage of their education. Those pupils who face barriers to learning or wellbeing receive the support that they need to make a success of the school day. For example, they get help from other adults and take short sensory breaks when they need to. Pupils embrace diversity. They are proud of their own, and each other’s, differences. For instance, they gleefully share the different languages they speak. They know that everyone is welcome. This helps pupils to attend school regularly. There are many pupil leadership opportunities. These activities help pupils to develop teamwork and communication skills. For example, pupils serve on the eco-committee, the school council and help their peers as wellbeing warriors.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers choose appropriate activities in lessons, so that pupils progress well through the planned curriculum.
• Leaders should continue to strengthen their work on writing and handwriting, so that pupils have the knowledge and skills needed to be successful writers.
• Leaders should continue to refine the curriculum, including in the early years, so that teachers know precisely what pupils need to know and be able to do to be ready for the next stage of their learning.
• Leaders should continue to embed behaviour for learning strategies, so that pupils show consistently positive attitudes to learning.

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