New Road Primary & Nursery School is celebrating a highly positive Ofsted inspection report (April 2026), recognising the school’s strong progress, ambitious leadership and the excellent experiences now being delivered for pupils.

Inspectors found that safeguarding at the school is fully effective, with leaders creating a strong culture where “safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility” and where pupils both feel safe and are safe. 

Strong early years provision and a thriving school community

The report highlights significant strengths in the school’s early years provision, judged to be a “strong standard”, where children benefit from a highly ambitious curriculum taught by skilled staff. Inspectors noted that pupils develop confidence, independence and strong communication skills from the very start of their education. 

Across the school, pupils are described as happy, cheerful and eager to learn, with behaviour judged to be consistently very positive. Classrooms and playgrounds alike were found to be calm, respectful environments where pupils listen carefully and socialise harmoniously. 

Leadership driving sustained improvement

The report recognises the clear and effective leadership that has guided the school through a period of significant change, including rapid growth in pupil numbers and the successful integration of the on-site nursery. Leaders are praised for having an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development, and for taking the right actions at the right time to secure improvement. 

Inspectors noted that improvements in teaching are now “bearing fruit”, with a more consistent approach across the school ensuring pupils benefit from well‑planned lessons and effective support. 

Staff wellbeing and professional development were also highlighted as key strengths, with teachers expressing pride in working at the school and valuing the high-quality training they receive. 

Inclusion and personal development at the heart

New Road Primary & Nursery School was praised for its strong culture of inclusion, ensuring that all pupils—including those with special educational needs, disadvantaged backgrounds, or who are new to English—receive tailored support and thrive. 

The school’s ambitious personal development programme provides pupils with a wide range of opportunities, helping them grow into thoughtful, respectful individuals who understand wellbeing, relationships and life in modern Britain. 

Attendance improving and outcomes on the rise

Inspectors highlighted the school’s success in significantly improving attendance, noting a clear shift in culture and strong systems to support families. 

While acknowledging that published outcomes from previous years remain below national averages, the report is clear that “the tide is now turning”, with current pupils making much stronger progress and gaps in learning being effectively addressed. 

Looking ahead

The report identifies next steps focused on fully embedding improvements in teaching and continuing to raise attendance further. Leaders have already put in place clear strategies to build on current success and ensure pupils are exceptionally well prepared for secondary school. 

Executive Headteacher comment

Executive Headteacher Rob Litten said:

“We are incredibly proud that this report recognises both the journey we have been on and the strong provision now in place for our children. It reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and the enthusiasm of our pupils.

Most importantly, it validates our relentless focus on ensuring every child thrives—academically, socially and emotionally. We know there is more to do, and we are excited to continue building on this success.”

A school on a strong upward trajectory

This inspection confirms that New Road Primary & Nursery School is a rapidly improving school, with strong foundations now embedded and a clear trajectory of continued success.

With committed leadership, a supportive community and motivated pupils, the future for the school—and its children—is exceptionally bright.

CEO  comment

CEO Dr Matthew Laban  said:

"I am very pleased with the overall outcome of New Road's Ofsted inspection and especially with the strong grading for the Early Years provision.  I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and dedication as we continue to improve the school and ensure that it is a wonderful place for the children and families we serve."