Ofsted News!

Laburnum Primary School praised for positive culture and achievement, and a calm learning environment under new Ofsted framework.  

Laburnum Primary School, part of Advantage Schools, has received a strong Ofsted inspection outcome, meeting the ‘Expected Standard’ across all areas under the new inspection framework.  

The inspection which took place in November 2025, highlighted many strengths across the school, including its welcoming and inclusive culture, calm and purposeful classrooms and the respectful, trusting relationship between pupils, staff and families.  

Inspectors wrote “They (leaders) show care, act early and set clear expectations for all. This blend of firm systems and thoughtful support is demonstrated in pupils attending well, being safe and feeling valued.” 

Inspectors commented that pupils’ experiences are shaped by the school’s core expectations to ‘challenge, achieve, show respect, give effort and be safe’. They noted that pupils enjoy the calm and focused atmosphere in lessons taking place in ‘disruption-free classrooms’, benefit from the clear routines and make steady progress from the early years onwards. The school’s curriculum was described to be well sequenced and ambitious, offering all pupils a broad and enriching range of learning experiences and extra-curricular activities.  

Laburnum Primary School celebrated their best results last year, with 95% of pupils passing phonics (compared to 80% national) and had an average multiplication score of 23/25 which significantly exceeded both the national and regional averages for that year. With new leadership under Advantage Schools, the school has implemented a high expectations curriculum designed to turn it into a ‘local area of excellence’. 

Headteacher Ben Bardell expressed his pride in the school’s achievements: 

“We are absolutely thrilled that Ofsted has recognised the way that our pupils experience Laburnum Primary school: calm, focused, and within an environment where pupils feel safe, cared for and are able to develop their love of learning.  We’re particularly delighted inspectors have highlighted the respectful relationships across our school and achievements of our pupils. This result reflects the commitment of our staff and the strong partnership we have with families. “ 

Stuart Lock, Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Schools, added: 

“This report confirms that the school is secure, successful and ambitious to develop further, highlighting the positive impact of joining Advantage Schools in March 2024. This recognition is richly deserved.” 

Read the full report below.

Laburnum Primary School Ofsted Report