Shaftesbury Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 November 2025

This is a joyful and inspiring school, where pupils' achievement soars to new heights. Leaders live up to their aim of giving all pupils 'a brighter future'. Throughout the day, pupils brim with a thirst for learning more. They relish mastering new knowledge and building their understanding of the world around them, including through the range of educational outings. Staff, pupils and families are rightly proud to be part of this remarkable school. Every aspect of the curriculum and teaching helps pupils to blossom. This includes the many pupils who join the school midway through their education. The highest academic standards are expected of everyone. Whatever their needs, leaders expertly ensure that pupils receive the right support for the right things at precisely the right moment. This means that all pupils overcome obstacles to success. They build detailed knowledge in all subjects and are exceptionally well prepared for secondary school. The attainment of Year 6 pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged, is consistently above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics. Early years is abuzz with children's delight in discovering and understanding something new. Staff are finely tuned into what children need and when this should happen. They are skilled in building foundational knowledge, including children's use of new words. For example, Nursery-age children have immense fun using the words they learn to describe size, shape and pattern. They use words such as 'small', 'big' and 'bigger' to sort objects such as teddy bears into different groups. By the time they start Year 1, almost all children are reading and writing with accuracy and fluency. Pupils' attitudes to learning are exemplary. They listen attentively in class, become absorbed in their studies and contribute ideas in a thoughtful manner. At playtimes, everyone gets along because pupils value being respectful and caring towards others. They know that staff will not accept any unkindness or bullying. Staff are alert to potential issues with pupils' well- being and act quickly to resolve issues. Pupils are kept safe.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should maintain and build upon the school's highly effective work to promote high rates of attendance, including intervening swiftly to support and challenge parents and carers with children whose attendance needs to improve.

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