Ofsted Report and Weblink
Dear Parents and Carers
I am delighted to share with you the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, carried out on 6 May 2026. We are extremely proud of the report, which recognises the significant progress the school has made over the last two and a half years. This has been a true whole‑school journey, and we are very grateful for your continued support throughout.
Inspectors highlighted many strengths across the school. They praised the excellent behaviour of our pupils, noting that children “behave well in school and play cooperatively together” and that older pupils act as positive role models. They also recognised the strong culture of respect and care that our children show every day.
Our work on personal development and wellbeing was also celebrated. Inspectors commented on how well pupils understand how to keep themselves safe, how confidently they take on leadership roles, and how much they value the range of clubs, visits and opportunities we provide.
We were especially pleased that Ofsted recognised the strength of our leadership and governance. Leaders and governors were praised for their ambition, their understanding of the school’s context, and the improvements already secured in behaviour, personal development and teaching. Staff were commended for their dedication, their strong subject knowledge and their commitment to meeting the needs of all pupils.
Our curriculum was also identified as a key strength. Inspectors noted that it is well designed, ambitious and clearly sequenced, enabling pupils to talk confidently about their learning. Early reading, writing and mathematics were highlighted as particularly strong, with phonics taught consistently well.
Attendance – an area where we need to work together
While the report is overwhelmingly positive, Ofsted identified attendance as an area that still “needs attention”. Our overall attendance remains below the national average, and too many pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils, are missing valuable learning time.
To move this area forward, we need your continued support. Please help us by:
- Ensuring your child attends school every day, unless they are genuinely unwell
- Avoiding holidays during term time, which have a significant impact on learning
- Making sure your child arrives on time each morning, as lateness is having a noticeable effect on attendance figures and on pupils’ readiness to learn
Improving attendance is essential because it directly affects children’s progress. As the report notes, some older pupils have gaps in their learning, and regular attendance is key to ensuring all children achieve as well as they can.
Our future…
We are incredibly proud of how far the school has come. The report reflects a school that has moved through a very successful improvement journey, and we are thrilled that this has been recognised. However, our work does not stop here. We remain fully committed to further improving pupils’ achievement, particularly in writing, and attendance will play a vital role in this.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and ensure that every child at Higher Walton CE Primary School flourishes.
Kind regards
Mrs. Vicki Clarke
Headteacher
View the full report on the Ofsted website here or click the link below