Rivers Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 March 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to school and feel welcomed and safe from the moment they arrive. They talk proudly about belonging to Rivers Primary Academy. Pupils say that everyone is encouraged to do their best. Actions taken by leaders to strengthen the curriculum mean that from one year to the next, pupils build the knowledge and skills they need for future learning securely. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils benefit from targeted support. This helps them to achieve as well as their peers. Writing is improving, but some pupils still find spelling, punctuation, grammar and neat presentation difficult. At times, this hinders learning for some pupils. Classrooms are purposeful. Pupils are respectful and kind towards each other. Behaviour around school is typically orderly. Pupils play together well at social times. They are clear that bullying is not an issue and say that if it does occur, staff deal with it promptly. Pupils understand how to stay safe, including online. Most pupils attend school regularly. A wide mix of experiences help broaden pupils’ horizons and build their confidence. Pupils enjoy taking part in sporting events, dance showcases and musical performances that let them shine beyond the classroom. Pupils also learn to be responsible by taking on roles, such as pupil parliament members or reading ambassadors. Alongside events such as careers week, these opportunities help pupils gain a secure understanding of democracy and how to play a positive role in the community. The school fosters trusting relationships with parents and carers by inviting them in regularly to share in pupils’ learning. In the early years, for instance families take part in the ‘secret storyteller’ tradition, where a parent or grandparent quietly arrives to read a story to the class. These moments are valued by pupils and contribute positively to their experiences of school.

What the school should improve

• From early years onwards, leaders should build on their current work to strengthen the curriculum, teaching and how well staff adapt learning to meet pupils' needs.
• Leaders should continue to improve pupils’ achievement in writing by ensuring that pupils develop secure transcription and handwriting skills.

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