We are in full celebration mode after the release of the latest Ofsted inspection report, which recognised our continued commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Alongside leaders at Diverse Academies Trust, we welcomed inspectors on 6 May 2026 to be assessed against the new inspection framework.
Under the new framework, no overall grading is awarded to schools. Instead, inspectors evaluate performance and progress in several key areas, including inclusion (how well all pupils are supported to succeed), curriculum and teaching, achievement and progress, behaviour and attendance, personal development and wellbeing, early years, and leadership and governance. A school is then scored in each of these individual areas.
Since the previous inspection, we have undergone significant transformation, marking an important milestone in our journey of continuous improvement and development and we were judged to be meeting the ‘expected standard’ in five out of seven areas.
Within the Ofsted report, inspectors praised our ambitious leadership, noting that ‘leaders have high expectations’ and that ‘parents and carers, staff and pupils appreciate the positive changes that have been made’. The report also highlights the strong sense of belonging felt across the school community, with children saying they feel ‘safe, happy and cared for’ and they ‘appreciate the community feeling of the school, where people care about each other’.
Inspectors also recognised our strong early years provision, noting that ‘children get off to a positive start in the early years’. They commented how ‘children settle in quickly and feel secure in the calm and welcoming environment’, supported by the fact that ‘staff have warm relationships with children’. Ofsted also praised the foundations being laid for future success, stating that ‘children develop their early reading and writing skills effectively’.
Support for pupils’ personal development and wellbeing was identified as a particular strength. Inspectors noted that ‘leaders prioritise pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. This helps pupils to feel valued and included in the full life of the school’. The report also highlights the positive relationships that underpin the school community, stating that ‘staff build respectful relationships with pupils, which helps pupils to feel cared for, confident and ready to learn’. Reflecting the positive culture across the academy, staff also said they feel ‘appreciative of the respectful, team-focused culture that leaders have established’.
Executive Principal, Gareth Letton, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the significant improvements that have been made at Samuel Barlow Primary Academy over recent years. The comments from inspectors about our caring culture, high expectations and the positive changes seen by our families and staff are a testament to the dedication of our entire school community. Most importantly, we are delighted that our children feel safe, happy and cared for, because creating an environment where every child can thrive is at the heart of everything we do. While we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to continuing our journey of improvement and ensuring every pupil receives the very best education and opportunities.”
Cat Summers, chief education officer at Diverse Academies, added: “This report reflects the significant progress made at Samuel Barlow Primary Academy during its time with the trust and is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire school community. We are particularly pleased to see recognition of the academy’s focus on pupils’ wellbeing and personal development, alongside the positive feedback from staff, pupils and parents.
“Samuel Barlow Primary Academy has built strong foundations for future success, and we look forward to supporting the school as it continues its journey of improvement.”
Read the report in full on our Ofsted reports page.
Parents and carers can find out more about the new inspection framework by visiting www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-ofsted-report-cards-and-grades
