The Harrowby Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 December 2025

Pupils are happy at The Harrowby Church of England Primary School. They are proud of their school, and there is a strong community spirit. Every pupil is exceptionally well known. Staff take great care to make sure that pupils are ready to learn. If pupils find it hard to settle as they arrive, staff provide extra support and attention. Staff make sure that pupils do not waste time. They start learning as quickly as possible. If pupils are late to school, they are greeted warmly and then told, 'Let's get on with our learning.' Despite this welcoming environment, too many pupils do not attend frequently enough. Leaders have identified clear values that help pupils to understand how they should behave. These values are based on the word 'HEART'. Pupils know that they need to show hope, empathy, aspiration, respect and trust to live up to the leaders' high expectations for their behaviour. Relationships between staff and pupils are built on kindness. There is a well- embedded approach to behaviour management that is followed consistently by staff. As a result, right from the early years, children behave well. They feel safe here. Pupils engage in their learning and work cooperatively with each other in lessons. They say that they like learning and name their favourite subjects as history, mathematics and writing. They are confident when introducing themselves in French. They have lots of fun at social times and do not worry about bullying. Nevertheless, too often, pupils do not receive the high-quality teaching they need to learn as well as they could. This means that pupils are not always well enough prepared as they move to the next stage in their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen curriculum delivery by ensuring that staff have the expertise and high expectations needed so that pupils secure the key knowledge and skills required so they achieve at least in line with national averages.
• Leaders should improve pupils' handwriting so that pupils form letters correctly and write fluently, with increasing speed and accuracy.
• Leaders should continue to improve pupils' attendance so that more pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils, attend school on every possible day.
• Leaders should extend opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests.

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