Wensum Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 June 2026

Pupils like their school and value its diverse community. They know that staff have their wellbeing at heart at all times. Pupils are therefore happy and feel safe. They know they can always turn to an adult for support. Pupils are kind and care for each other well. Older pupils are role models. They inspire others to be at their best. Pupils do not tolerate less positive behaviours or attitudes from others. Pupils are compassionate. They are eager to understand different cultures and ways of life. Pupils embrace diversity. They consider their school to be a sanctuary because it welcomes children from all over the world. Pupils understand there is more that unites them than divides them. This prepares pupils well for life in multicultural Britain, and, indeed, a global world. Most pupils participate enthusiastically in lessons and read widely. They generally attend well. Pupils are keen to discuss their ideas and help each other in class. Most pupils achieve well, with national outcomes improving significantly. Pupils with increased needs receive the precise help they need, and they flourish. However, at times, some learning activities do not ensure that some pupils learn as much as they could. Pupils enjoy a rich range of extra-curricular activities. The participation of all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, is high. Pupils hone their sporting abilities through martial arts and team games. They dance, learn new languages and develop important life skills such as cookery. Educational visits enhance pupils’ curriculum knowledge, and pupils have fun. Pupils go to the beach to enrich their understanding of coastal erosion. They recreate Stone Age life and experience historical sites in East Anglia. These enrich their knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture. Pupils compare this to Ancient Egypt and Mayan life, which reinforces their understanding of Empire.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers identify mistakes in some aspects of foundational knowledge, especially spelling, with greater rigour. This will prevent pupils from continuing to make the same mistakes.
• Leaders should ensure that their high ambitions for all pupils are realised so that pupils build ever more complex knowledge with confidence. This will ensure that outcomes improve further.

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