Inspectors visited Blenheim Primary School on March 5 and 6, 2025, as part of an ungraded inspection, aimed at checking whether schools previously judged good are still maintaining those standards.
Blenheim first earned a good rating in 2014 and has once again demonstrated that it remains on the right track.
In their report, Ofsted highlighted the warm and nurturing atmosphere that defines everyday life at Blenheim.
Pupils told inspectors that teachers genuinely care about their wellbeing and are quick to offer help if someone is feeling upset saying that “it is clear that this is a nurturing place to learn.”
Behaviour was described as excellent across the school, with children showing high levels of respect for each other and for staff.
Even the youngest pupils follow routines confidently and settle quickly into classroom life.
Lessons are calm and focused, and pupils who need extra support with behaviour are helped in a caring and effective way.
The report said that “pupils behave extremely well during lessons and social times. They are incredibly respectful towards others. This makes the school a happy, harmonious place for pupils and staff.”
Blenheim also places a strong emphasis on responsibility and community.
Older children support younger ones at lunchtime, and the school council, which is democratically elected by classmates, has worked closely with leaders on initiatives such as attendance rewards to help encourage punctuality and regular attendance.
Reading is a key strength of the school. Phonics teaching begins in Reception, and staff have received effective training to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Books are well matched to pupils’ reading levels, and children have regular opportunities to practise and enjoy reading. Author visits and reading aloud sessions help foster a love of books and stories across the school.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-planned, building knowledge in a clear and logical sequence.
Pupils are confident in their learning – inspectors saw Reception children successfully partitioning numbers, while older pupils explained the human life cycle using accurate scientific vocabulary.
Teachers’ subject knowledge is generally strong, and new vocabulary is introduced effectively across the curriculum.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is another area of strength.
It reads: “the school identifies pupils with SEND as early as possible. Teaching staff are well trained. They make effective adaptations to their teaching approaches so that pupils with SEND learn successfully alongside their classmates.”
However, the report did point out one area that could be improved. Inspectors found that checks on pupils’ understanding are sometimes not as precise as they could be.
This can mean that misconceptions go unnoticed, leaving some pupils less prepared for future learning.
Leaders have been advised to strengthen assessment so that gaps in understanding are picked up and addressed quickly.
Pupils’ personal development was described as a particular highlight. Children learn about mental health, diversity, and healthy relationships, and they benefit from a wide range of clubs and extra-curricular activities.
These include gymnastics, sign-language club, and a choir that performs at the O2 Arena and in local care homes.
Staff also reported feeling well supported by leaders and the trust, with their workload and wellbeing taken seriously – something inspectors noted as a significant strength.
The school, located on Blenheim Road, is led by headteacher Ruth De Graft Incoom and is part of the Orion Education Trust, overseen by CEO Simon Garrill and board chair James Toop.
Inspectors found strong leadership at all levels and noted that school leaders and governors are clear about both the school’s strengths and its next steps.
While this was not a graded inspection, Ofsted confirmed that Blenheim Primary continues to meet the high standards set in previous years.
