A village primary school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors, who found the school to be “welcoming and inclusive” with pupils achieving well and enjoying their education.
In the inspection carried out on 15 and 16 July 2025, Stickney Church of England Primary School was graded Good across all key areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant step forward for the school, which was previously rated as Requires Improvement.
Inspectors highlighted the strong sense of belonging felt by pupils, staff, and parents, noting the positive relationships built across the school community. Pupils were described as happy, safe, and respectful, with behaviour standards set high.
The report also praised the school’s commitment to pupil wellbeing. Initiatives such as “castle calm” provide children with a quiet space when they need time out, and pupils take pride in leadership roles, from church councillors to environmental officers.
The inspection team found that reading is a particular strength, with phonics taught effectively from Reception. Pupils benefit from a curriculum that has been “overhauled” to ensure a clear sequence of learning from the early years to Year 6. While most subjects are well established, inspectors noted that some foundation subjects are still in the early stages of development and need to be more consistently applied.
The personal development of pupils was described as “highly effective.” Children spoke confidently about fairness, respect, different religions and cultures, and the importance of British values. Trips, residentials, and after-school clubs further enrich their experiences, while events such as art exhibitions showcase their talents.
Attendance has also improved, with persistent absence significantly reduced.
Inspectors recognised the dedication of leaders and governors in driving improvements, as well as the school’s support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they can learn alongside their peers.
While the report is glowing, Ofsted advised that teachers should more consistently check pupils’ understanding in some subjects, and that activities in the early years should always have clear learning outcomes.
In a letter sent to parents following the inspection, Executive Headteacher Rachael Cotton, who leads both Stickney and New Leake Primary Schools under a federation, welcomed the findings, saying they reflected the hard work of staff, pupils, and families: “This is a fantastic achievement for our whole school community and reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our staff, pupils, governors, and families. While we celebrate this success, we remain committed to continuous improvement. We have already begun addressing these areas and will continue working hard to ensure every child receives the highest quality education.”
Stickney Church of England Primary School, which has 136 pupils on roll, is now firmly on a positive trajectory. The inspectors concluded: “Leaders are sharply focused on ensuring that pupils thrive, both personally and academically.”
