North Walkden Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 April 2026

North Walkden Primary School is a caring and happy school community. Pupils feel valued and welcome by staff who know each child as an individual. Staff want the best for every pupil and encourage them to live up to the school’s motto, ‘reach for the stars’. Pupils behave very well and show care for one another. They are proud of their positive behaviour. Children in the Nursery class settle quickly and follow routines. Older pupils help others. For example, Year 6 monitors encourage sensible walking along the corridors. Pupils are polite to staff and helpful to visitors. Bullying and unkind behaviour are not tolerated. Pupils trust staff to listen and act quickly when incidents arise. This helps pupils to feel safe. In lessons, pupils are motivated to learn. They appreciate how their teachers help them to remember new ideas. Pupils concentrate well and try their best. Most pupils learn well. However, outcomes at the end of Year 6 show that some pupils are not sufficiently well prepared for secondary school. Attendance is also below the national average. This includes for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. While many of these pupils make progress from their starting points, some do not achieve or attend school as well as they could. Pupils benefit from a range of activities beyond the classroom such as choir, football and knitting clubs. The Year 6 residential visit to Shropshire is a highlight. Pupils take part in activities that push them outside their comfort zones. They learn to work as a team. These experiences build courage, independence and resilience. The school provides a range of leadership opportunities. Pupils take on roles such as school councillor and junior safety officer. These roles help pupils learn about responsibility and develop their voices. Pupils understand that their views matter.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen their oversight of the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to ensure that it has the intended impact on these pupils’ achievement.
• Leaders should swiftly address identified barriers to attendance to ensure that all pupils attend regularly, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
• Leaders should ensure that gaps in learning caused by previous weak provision are closed so that pupils achieve well by the end of key stage 2 and are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

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