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Ofsted and School Achievement

We are delighted to share our recent Ofsted report with you.

Our latest inspection, in January 2026, was one of the first inspections in Surrey under Ofsted’s new framework, which introduces a broader range of judgements nationally. Under this revised system, a judgement of Strong reflects provision working above the expected national standard — and we are very proud that several areas of our school were recognised in this way.

 

A School Where Children Truly Belong

Inspectors noted that pupils speak “with real pride” about our values of belong, learn and shine. They observed that even our youngest children “talk confidently about belonging and about the things they enjoy at school.”

They described how children “feel known and cared for” and were delighted that senior leaders greet them warmly by name each morning. The school was characterised as “calm and friendly,” with pupils saying they feel safe and ready to learn. Behaviour was described as a “clear strength.” Inspectors found that pupils develop “warm and cooperative relationships,” that incidents of poor behaviour are “very rare,” and that this creates a “calm, positive and purposeful learning environment.”

For us, this affirmation of the school’s culture is incredibly important.


Strong from the Very Start

Early Years was judged Strong, with inspectors recognising the amazing work of our EYFS team. They commented that children “feel safe, welcome and valued” and “settle quickly” because of the positive relationships staff build.

They praised the “carefully designed” curriculum, the strength of early mathematics teaching and the way staff “model language purposefully.” Reading is prioritised from the start, and children were noted to recall stories enthusiastically and join in with rhymes confidently.

It was particularly pleasing that inspectors recognised how swiftly support is provided for children who need additional help, while maintaining “high expectations for all.”


A Deep Commitment to Inclusion

Inclusion was also judged Strong.

Inspectors recognised the significant increase in pupils with additional needs in recent years and praised how leaders have “responded robustly.” They highlighted the “effective systems” in place to identify emerging needs and the “clear and step-by-step approach” taken to meet them.

Parents were described as “highly positive” about the support their children receive, and leaders’ use of pupil premium funding was recognised as evidence-based and impactful.


Personal Development that Prepares Children for Life

Personal Development and Wellbeing was judged Strong, with inspectors noting that our programme makes a “highly positive contribution to pupils’ readiness for the next stage of education and for life beyond school.”

They highlighted pupils’ secure understanding of democracy, respect and difference, and the “impressive enrichment offer” that allows all pupils to develop their talents and interests. Participation is tracked carefully to ensure every child benefits.


Achievement that Remains Consistently High

The report confirms that pupils “achieve well here,” both in day-to-day learning and statutory assessments.

By the end of Year 6, “pupils attain very well in national tests,” and consistently over time, significantly more pupils than the national average meet both the expected and higher standards in reading, writing and mathematics.

Reading was recognised as being taught “very well” and as a clear priority for the school.


Effective Leadership and a Supportive Community

Inspectors recognised that leaders evaluate the school “with honesty and accuracy” and that governors provide “effective challenge and support.” Staff reported feeling valued and supported, and parents described the school as “welcoming, inclusive and emotionally supportive.


We are incredibly proud of our children, our staff and our whole school community. The report recognises not only strong outcomes, but also the warmth, care and ambition that define Walton-on-the-Hill Primary School.

Please click here to read the full Ofsted inspection report or click on the PDF below

Our Achievements Explained:

Although at Walton on the Hill Primary School we do not overestimate the importance of academic assessments, it is always pleasing to see our children doing well and having their hard work pay off with positive results. Last year was no exception and, as well as some great achievements in music, drama and sport, there were also some academic successes worth celebrating!

As a small one-form entry school, it is very pleasing to see such consistency in our results over time, regularly performing well above the national average. While acknowledging that one cohort may be very different from the next, it is reassuring to see such stability in our outcomes. 

Last year, 80% of our youngest children in reception achieved a good level of development, which is 10% higher than the national average and puts us in the top 15% of schools nationally. 

90% of the children in Year 1 achieved the required standard in their phonics check. This is 10% higher than the national average and puts us in the top 20% of schools nationally. We were also exceptionally pleased that, for the second year running, 100% of the children in Year 2 achieved the expected standard in phonics. Getting the fundamentals of reading right is so important, so it was great to see the hard work pay off. 

In Year 6, 93% of children achieved the expected standard in reading, with an impressive 46% achieving the higher standard. Both of these figures are significantly above the national average and put us in the top 10% of schools nationally. 93% of the children achieved the expected standard in writing with 29% working at the greater depth standard – significantly higher than the national figure of 13%. In maths, 83% of children achieved the expected standard and a further 25% were working at the higher level. Our combined results for reading, writing and maths were 79%, which puts us in the top 15% of schools nationally and in the top 40 schools out of the 300 primaries in Surrey. Let's hope we can move into the top 10 next year!

To find out more specific information about the school results, follow the link here