Willow Bank Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

The school nurtures pupils to feel welcome and happy. Pupils enjoy school, attend well and are excited to share their learning. Staff and pupils are proud to be part of a close-knit school community that works together to achieve the school's core values. Pupils demonstrate great respect for each other. They celebrate the school’s cultural diversity at every turn, for example, through cultural days and summer festivals. All staff have high aspirations for each pupil. Pupils, including those with an education, health and care plan, know that staff will go the extra mile to help them achieve. Pupils are active members of the school community. They work hard to meet the school’s high expectations for learning and behaviour. For example, the 'Champions for Change' school council group works with local councillors to make positive changes in the local community. Pupils benefit from highly positive relationships with staff. This helps pupils to speak out if they have any worries. They know they will be listened to and helped. As a result, pupils feel safe. Pupils' behaviour across the school is calm and positive. Pupils show kindness and care. They look forward to spending time with Willow the school dog to help them feel settled. A wide range of experiences help pupils to understand responsibility and life in modern Britain. Pupil ambassadors take their roles to uphold the ethos of the school seriously. They want the school to be a happy, positive environment. Attendance ambassadors help their peers to understand the importance of attending school. Pupils experience the full national curriculum offer. They build strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics. Typically, pupils achieve well and make secure progress from their individual starting points. The school is swift to support any barriers to learning that pupils may face.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure that teachers systematically check pupils' understanding so that pupils are challenged in their learning and can achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Leaders should strengthen the teaching of writing so that pupils consistently develop their transcription skills.
• Leaders should ensure that professional learning supports staff to develop high-quality interactions so that pupils develop their language and vocabulary as securely as possible.

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