Hawthorn Tree School, located on Toot Lane in Boston, welcomed Ofsted inspectors on 22 and 23 September 2026, with the newly published report recognising the progress made over the past year while acknowledging that further improvements are needed.
Under Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework, the school received the ‘Expected Standard’ in three areas: early years, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
However, four areas were graded ‘Needs Attention’: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, and inclusion.
Importantly, inspectors confirmed that the school meets all required safeguarding standards, highlighting a positive culture in which pupils feel safe and concerns are appropriately managed.
The report particularly praised the school’s new leadership team, headed by Sam Jessup, who was appointed headteacher in September 2025.
Inspectors recognised that the leadership team has made considerable progress in addressing historical weaknesses, establishing a clear direction for the school’s future.
The report states: “The new leadership team bring skill and rigour to their roles. They have made significant school improvements over the past year and built a solid foundation to continue their work.”
Inspectors also highlighted the positive response from staff, who reported feeling supported and valued despite a period of substantial change.
Governors were similarly praised for taking a more active role in holding school leaders accountable and supporting ongoing improvements.
While inspectors acknowledged that much of the work remains at an early stage, they concluded that there is already much to celebrate.
Despite the positive developments, Ofsted identified longstanding concerns surrounding academic achievement, particularly in reading.
Inspectors found that too many pupils have historically left the school without securing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed at secondary school.
The report revealed that reading outcomes at the end of Year 6 have been below the national average, with disadvantaged pupils particularly affected.
Figures included in the inspection report show that, over the latest three-year period, 66% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, compared with the national average of 74%.
Meanwhile, 58% achieved the expected combined standard in reading, writing and mathematics, compared with 61% nationally.
Attendance was another area highlighted for improvement.
During the 2024/25 academic year, the school’s overall absence rate stood at 6.2%, compared with the national average of 5.2%.
Persistent absence, which measures pupils missing at least 10% of school sessions, was recorded at 19.2%, compared with 13% nationally.
However, inspectors recognised that the school has introduced a more strategic approach to tackling attendance issues, including improved monitoring, closer engagement with families and reward initiatives designed to encourage regular attendance.
Ofsted also found that teaching standards remain inconsistent across the school, with some lessons not sufficiently adapted to meet the needs of all pupils.
This was particularly evident in the support provided to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside occasions where more academically able pupils were not sufficiently challenged.
However, inspectors acknowledged that school leaders have already identified these weaknesses and introduced a redesigned curriculum intended to strengthen teaching and learning.
The school has also established a specialist provision known as ‘The Nest’, offering tailored teaching and individualised timetables for pupils with the highest levels of need.
Inspectors welcomed the initiative, alongside ongoing staff training, although they noted that it remains too early to fully assess the impact of these changes.
One of the most encouraging findings was the positive experience reported by pupils themselves.
Inspectors found that children enjoy attending Hawthorn Tree School, feel supported by their teachers and have a strong sense of belonging.
The report states: “Pupils have a strong identity with their school and say that they belong to a great school.”
Children particularly praised the wide range of extracurricular activities available, including drama, science, fashion, archery and golf.
Inspectors also recognised the school’s commitment to supporting pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, including specialist pastoral support and therapeutic activities.
The school’s early years provision was another positive feature, with inspectors finding that Reception children settle quickly, develop strong relationships with staff and receive a solid foundation for their education.
Behaviour was described as generally positive, with pupils showing respect towards staff, visitors and one another.
Inspectors also found that pupils feel confident approaching teachers with concerns and do not generally worry about bullying.
Ofsted has outlined four key priorities for Hawthorn Tree School moving forward.
These include improving staff expertise to ensure lessons meet the needs of all pupils, embedding recent curriculum improvements, maintaining positive behaviour throughout the school day and ensuring new attendance measures deliver sustained improvements.
The inspection report concluded that the school’s new leadership team is working with determination to address historical challenges.
Inspectors stated: “There are clear signs that pupils are getting a better deal.”
With 364 pupils currently attending the school, the findings provide an encouraging indication that recent changes are beginning to make a difference, while also highlighting the work still required to raise educational outcomes.
The report recognises that, although significant challenges remain, Hawthorn Tree School has established a stronger foundation for future improvement under its new leadership.
The full inspection report is available through Ofsted’s website.
A spokesperson for Hawthorn Tree said:
