Purfleet Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Pupils at this school achieve well, make friends and are well cared for. Many pupils have barriers to learning and/or come to the school at different times during the year. Some pupils arrive having not been in the local area for very long. They benefit from how quickly staff identify their needs, make them feel welcome and provide effective support to overcome these challenges. It is no surprise that pupils look forward to coming to school each day. They actively engage in all that the school has to offer them. More pupils are now attending school more regularly. Pupils benefit from staff's dedication to wanting everyone to succeed, regardless of pupils' background or circumstance. The school is especially committed to ensuring that pupils can read and that barriers to learning are successfully reduced. Pupils develop their understanding of the world beyond the school gates. This starts in Nursery and continues through all year groups. This is a positive, upbeat and good-humoured place to learn. Staff show compassion without compromising on the high standards of conduct expected. Pupils here often attain above national averages in reading at the end of Year Six. This includes for pupils who are disadvantaged. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities progress suitably from their various starting points. This is due to a range of appropriate interventions put in place for them. Pupils are very respectful of the diverse cultures and beliefs represented here. Pupils are motivated to do well. They like gaining signatures in their rewards book. They can be mental health champions and represent their class on the school council. Pupils learn about their wider community, for example through links to the local heritage centre and nature reserve. Pupils know that staff will help them with any concerns. Staff are well-trained to support pupils' well-being, and this helps to keep them safe.

What the school should improve

• Leaders need to further strengthen the precision with which they adapt support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities who have significant additional needs.
• Leaders need to ensure that the teaching of foundation subjects is consistently high-quality across all year groups.
• Leaders should robustly check that pupils consistently secure knowledge in foundation subjects, including PHSE, to the depth and detail intended.

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