St Lawrence CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils achieve well because they enjoy learning. They speak with excitement about what they have learned, with even the youngest pupils enjoying explaining their thinking. They share favourite authors, number facts and wider knowledge, such as what makes a crustacean or why polar bears and penguins never meet. Teaching helps pupils remember key ideas and use them again. Pupils gain a broad range of knowledge across subjects. This prepares them well for the next stage of education. Staff support pupils from their starting points. Pupils who face barriers, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, receive help that allows them to make progress and succeed. Pupils belong because they feel included, valued and part of a strong community. Pupils know the school values and talk about them with confidence. They see themselves in the school vision where they, 'Shine like Stars in the Universe'. This gives them a strong sense of identity. Pupils feel well known by staff and listened to. Relationships are warm and trusting. Many families have long links with the school, with parents and grandparents having attended. Pupils enjoy taking responsibility. They value leadership roles and opportunities to work with the local church and wider community. Pupils thrive because they feel safe, respected and confident in school life. Pupils show good manners and treat each other kindly. They trust their peers and adults to act fairly. Pupils say bullying is rare and is dealt with quickly. Differences are welcomed and celebrated. Pupils feel fully included in all aspects of school life. They attend regularly and enjoy coming to school. These positive experiences help pupils grow in confidence. They learn how to be active and caring members of their school and local community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to refine their work to promote strong attendance and punctuality for all pupils. This includes maintaining a focus on vulnerable pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, where a deeper understanding of individual barriers may further support more consistent attendance. • Leaders should continue to develop teachers' use of assessment within lessons to help them make increasingly precise curriculum and teaching decisions. This will help sustain the ongoing work to reduce barriers and support all pupils to participate confidently in lessons.

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