Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Henley-on-Thames

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 December 2025

Pupils are proud to be part of this happy and inclusive school. Parents and carers praise the school's efforts. Pupils say the best thing about the school is the staff. Staff form trusting relationships with pupils. These start in the early years, continue throughout the school and help pupils to belong and thrive. Pupils are confident that staff will help them deal quickly with any concerns they may have. As a result, incidents of bullying or discrimination are rare. Pupils now come to school more often than they did. However, attendance for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged is an area leaders are addressing. Pupils work hard to meet the expectations that staff have for their behaviour and achievement. Typically, pupils achieve well and are well prepared for the next stage in their education. This generally includes pupils who face barriers to their learning. However, some pupils have unaddressed gaps in their knowledge, including in writing and mathematics. Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities. Leaders ensure that these are inclusive and build pupils' aspirations. Activities include visits to the local regatta, where pupils learn more about the unique geographical and historical area they live in. Pupils enjoy learning about how other people live and their beliefs. This helps pupils to celebrate differences confidently and understand the community beyond the school. Pupils also hone their leadership skills by taking on roles and responsibilities such as being school councillors and playtime buddies. Through weekly assemblies and discussions, pupils learn how they can use their collective voice to influence decisions that others make. They are particularly proud of their impact to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the community clean and litter free.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that their attendance strategy continues to raise attendance rates for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged.
• Leaders should continue strengthening staff expertise, including in early years, to ensure teaching consistently closes gaps in foundational knowledge for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged pupils and pupils known or previously known to social care.

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