Western Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils are happy and enjoy coming to school. They feel safe at school as they have trusted staff to speak to if needed. Bullying rarely happens. When it does, leaders deal with it effectively. Pupils do not achieve as well as they might in some areas of the school. In key stage 1, pupils do not learn phonics as well as their peers nationally. Children in the early years are not well prepared for key stage 1. This is not improving over time. Work in pupils’ books shows that there are gaps in their knowledge. This is particularly evident in writing. In key stage 2, pupils achieved better in the most recent national tests than they did previously. Published outcomes last year show that pupils' attainment at the end of key stage 2 is in line with their peers nationally. Pupils' attendance is below national averages. The school has recently raised expectations for pupils' behaviour. As a result, pupils behave well across the school. Interactions between children in Nursery and Reception are positive. They are kind and supportive to each other. Most classrooms are positive learning environments. Pupils develop positive relationships with the staff at the school. They feel well supported and know how to access extra support if needed. Pupils have limited access to extra-curricular activities and to trips and visits. This hinders their opportunities to develop their talents and interests. Pupils know how to stay safe online and in the community. They develop age-appropriate knowledge of relationships. Pupils are tolerant and respectful of each other.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the phonics curriculum is delivered consistently well and that books are matched to pupils’ ability levels, so that pupils quickly become confident and fluent readers.
• Leaders should ensure that they take appropriate action to close any gaps in pupils' basic knowledge, with a particular focus on writing.
• Leaders should ensure that children in the early years are well prepared for Year 1.
• Leaders should continue their work to embed the curriculum and ensure that teaching, in all areas the curriculum, is well planned and sequenced so that knowledge builds over time.
• Leaders should continue to embed quality assurance processes to ensure a detailed and insightful analysis of the school’s performance.
• Leaders should ensure that the small but significant number of pupils who require more bespoke support to access the curriculum, receive the support that they need.
• Leaders should ensure that the attendance policy is consistently and robustly implemented to improve the overall attendance of pupils.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils develop their understanding of the characteristics protected by law and different faiths and beliefs, and that pupils have access to a wide range of suitable opportunities and experiences.

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