Slyne-with-Hest, St Luke's, Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Pupils blossom in this nurturing and happy school that sits at the heart of the community. Children in the early years, guided by expert staff, get off to a flying start in their education. Pupils look forward to their learning each day. They attend well. Pupils enjoy highly positive relationships with staff, who are kind and caring. Pupils rightly feel confident that staff will act on any rare incidents of bullying promptly and successfully. Pupils, including those who face additional challenges and barriers to their learning, are warmly embraced and fully included in all aspects of school life. Pupils work and play in harmony together. Pupils in Year 6 value their roles as buddies, where they support pupils in the Reception class. This positive and nurturing culture permeates across the school. This helps pupils to feel safe and develop a deep sense of belonging. Pupils enjoy and benefit from a highly engaging and interesting academic curriculum. This supports them to achieve very well. Over time, they attain standards well above the national average. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make significant progress in their learning. Pupils take pride in their many achievements and accomplishments. They can discuss how they overcome challenges and grow in confidence. Pupils speak animatedly about how they develop resilience and teamwork skills during visits, including their recent residential trip. They state positively that, 'Teachers help us step out of our comfort zone and challenge us to take risks.' Pupils learn to understand and accept difference and to value diversity. They know why respect and tolerance matter, even when people’s beliefs differ from their own. Pupils have impeccable manners. They hold doors open for each other and for visitors, greeting them with a warm and friendly smile. Pupils’ conduct and attitudes epitomise the school’s motto.

What the school should improve

• Using the most up-to-date evidence and research, leaders should enhance their programme of professional development so that it has a sustained and widespread impact across all areas of the school's work.
• Governors should ensure that they hold leaders more robustly and consistently to account for all aspects of the school's work, particularly with regards to the effectiveness of the curriculum in subjects other than English and mathematics. They should have a greater oversight of the achievement of all vulnerable groups, in particular those in receipt of pupil premium funding.

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