Water Mill Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

Pupils are articulate, confident and celebrated at Water Mill Primary School. They belong to a vibrant and diverse community of people from all around the world. Pupils who join the school speaking little or no English learn English quickly and as a priority. As a result, they make excellent progress from their starting points. Pupils who are disadvantaged make similar progress too. This is because leaders make sure they get to know every child and understand any challenges they need to overcome. Pupils achieve excellent results in reading, writing and mathematics, and this helps to prepare them for future success. They like their lessons and enjoy learning new things. However, in other subjects, while they learn the basics, they achieve less well. This is reflected in the quality of the work they produce. Some pupils are capable of learning more. Pupils feel safe at this school because they know and trust the adults. Adults treat the pupils with respect, allowing them time to be calm before talking through a problem. When bullying happens, leaders typically act quickly to stop it from happening again. Pupils' behaviour is excellent. In lessons, they concentrate on what they are doing and know how to get help themselves. Adults support them to understand what they need to do. Pupils' handwriting is not yet consistent across the school, but leaders are supporting pupils to improve. Pupils enjoy the trips and visits they get to take part in. They like opportunities for playing musical instruments and the clubs that support their creativity and talents. Pupils like the rewards they can earn for succeeding. As a result, they are attending school more regularly and are positive about their experiences.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to build staff's understanding and skills so that they systematically check and address any gaps in pupils’ spelling and letter formation so that pupils’ writing continues to improve.
• Leaders should ensure that the quality of work that pupils produce across the curriculum is of the same high standard as they achieve in English and mathematics so that their knowledge and skills are as well developed in all subjects.
• Leaders should continue to prioritise areas that they want to improve, taking time to evaluate what is working and what needs to change so that quality provision is consistent across all areas of the school.

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