Throston Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 February 2026

Being a pupil at this school means learning in a safe, caring and ambitious community. Each morning, familiar adults welcome pupils and help them feel ready for the day. Breakfast provision, uniform support and calm routines remove barriers to learning and support wellbeing for pupils. Pupils enjoy their lessons and take pride in doing well. From the early years, children learn to read through daily phonics sessions and shared stories. Older pupils read with assurance and enjoy extra reading sessions. In mathematics, pupils practise key skills and explain their thinking. Teachers give clear explanations and ask helpful questions that support pupils' deep thinking. Pupils finish work that meets national standards. Most pupils achieve well in national tests and are ready for Year 7 at the end of Year 6. Pupils who need help receive support swiftly. They thrive in small-group teaching, catch-up programmes and the 'Phoenix Room' in the centre of the school. The ‘Phoenix Room’ is a quiet, welcoming space where bespoke support and intervention sessions take place. These approaches help many pupils progress well from their starting points. Leaders have introduced a new way to teach handwriting and are ensuring that all staff use it consistently. Pupils feel that they belong. Staff build warm, trusting relationships and listen with attention to pupils. Children in early years work well with friends and support one another. Older pupils act as positive role models. Pupils enjoy sports clubs, drama, residential visits and awards such as 'The Stewart Aspiration Award', which celebrates effort and ambition. Pupils feel safe and confident. They know whom to speak to if they feel worried and they trust that adults will help them. Bullying is rare, and teachers address it when it occurs. Pupils behave well and concentrate in lessons. Attendance is above national averages on a regular basis. Pupils help the community in many ways. They do charity work, take part in environmental projects and go on local visits. These experiences help them to gain confidence and be responsible members of society.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff make suitable adjustments to planned learning when appropriate in order to better meet pupils' needs.
• Leaders should ensure that the new approach to handwriting is implemented consistently well so that pupils write fluently and achieve highly over time.

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