Highly Positive Ofsted Inspection
D’Eyncourt Primary School is celebrating following a highly positive Ofsted inspection which recognised the school’s strong provision for attendance and behaviour, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing.
The full inspection, which took place on 9 September 2026, found that D’Eyncourt, part of Central Learning Partnership Trust (CLPT), had met the required safeguarding standards, with inspectors recognising an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are actively identified and addressed.
“Happy, safe and thriving”
At the heart of the report is Ofsted’s positive description of life at D’Eyncourt. Inspectors said pupils are“happy, safe and thriving” and highlighted how children embody the school’s BEST values: Be Kind and Caring, Excel in Learning, Show Respect and Take on Challenges.
The report describes D’Eyncourt as a“friendly, welcoming school”, where pupils behave extremely well, are polite and attentive, and treat one another with care and concern. Inspectors also noted that adults listen to pupils and act swiftly when they have worries.
Strong attendance, behaviour and inclusion
Attendance and behaviour were recognised as particular strengths. Ofsted found that leaders rigorously analyse attendance information, work closely with families and external agencies and act swiftly when pupils face barriers to attending school. Inspectors reported “remarkable improvements” in attendance for individual pupils and groups, with attendance at the time of inspection just above the national average and continuing to improve.
Behaviour was described as “extremely positive”, with orderly, focused classrooms and pupils demonstrating strong attitudes to learning. Inspectors found that consistent expectations and trusting relationships create a calm and purposeful environment in which pupils are “respectful, responsible and ready to learn.”
Inclusion was another area recognised at the Strong Standard. Inspectors praised the school’s “highly inclusive culture”, where pupils have a genuine sense of belonging. They found that staff know pupils very well, identify barriers swiftly and make careful adaptations so that children can access the full curriculum.
Disadvantaged pupils performing strongly
The report also highlights D’Eyncourt’s academic outcomes. Ofsted found that pupils achieve well over time, with the most recently available published outcomes showing attainment significantly above average in reading and writing at the expected standard at the end of Key Stage 2.
Of particular significance is the performance of disadvantaged pupils, who inspectors said perform“very well” compared with non-disadvantaged pupils nationally. The three-year data used during the inspection showed 71% of disadvantaged pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared with a national disadvantaged average of 46%.
Preparing children for their futures
D’Eyncourt’s approach to personal development and wellbeing was also recognised as a Strong Standard. Inspectors highlighted the school’s comprehensive programme, effective pastoral care and the many opportunities pupils receive through clubs, competitions, educational visits, residential experiences and leadership roles.
Pupils told inspectors that roles such as BEST Ambassadors and membership of the eco committee make them proud to contribute to change and decision-making within their school. Ofsted concluded that pupils are “very well prepared for life beyond school.”
A school with pupils at its heart
Leadership and governance were also recognised positively. Inspectors found that leaders have established “a clear vision in which pupils are at the heart of everything they do.” Parents and carers were described as overwhelmingly positive about the school, particularly valuing its nurturing ethos and support for pupils with special educational needs.
Staff described D’Eyncourt as a safe and well-led school where they feel valued and treated fairly, while inspectors also recognised the contribution of CLPT. The report notes that strategic oversight from the Trust provides opportunities for wider collaboration and networking, with Trust leaders and governors providing an appropriate balance of support and challenge.
Headteacher Danielle Darby said:
“We are incredibly proud of this report because it reflects the school that we know and love every day. To hear our children described as happy, safe and thriving, and to see our work around inclusion, attendance, behaviour and personal development recognised so positively, means a great deal to us.
“Our children are at the heart of every decision we make. This outcome belongs to our pupils, staff, families, governors and the wider CLPT community, all of whom contribute to making D’Eyncourt such a special place. We are particularly proud that inspectors recognised how well our disadvantaged pupils achieve and the strength of our inclusive culture.
