Maidenhead school rises to its ‘fun to learn’ motto with 'outstanding' Ofsted

A Maidenhead school is rising to the challenge of its ‘it’s fun to learn’ motto after retaining an 'outstanding' Ofsted report.

Pupils receive an ‘excellent standard of education’ at Oldfield Primary School, said inspectors after their two-day visit in April.

The report published on Friday, May 9, said the school’s ‘excellence’ is centred around its ‘ambitious’ curriculum, with Key Stage 2 students studying Italian and Mandarin.

“Pupils feel happy,” added the education watchdog. 

“They know that if they are worried, adults in school will listen and help them.

“Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage when they leave school.”

Ofsted said the mixed community school for pupils aged five to 11 has ‘high expectations' for their academic achievement and does ‘impressive’ work to enhance their personal development.

This includes external visits from authors, which help develop pupils 'curiosity for reading', and a 'vast' range of wider experiences in sports, music and drama.

Plus, any older pupil with an interest not already offered can set up their own club.

Ofsted said the Bray Road school motto is, ‘it’s fun to learn’, and teachers rise to this challenge well.

“Teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to develop pupils’ skills carefully,” said the report, and ‘expertly’ adapt the curriculum when needed.

The teaching staff were also praised for checking pupil learning ‘systematically’, revisiting previous learning and ‘quickly’ addressing gaps in their knowledge.

This inspection was the first to be carried out at the school since Ofsted decided to scrap ‘overall effectiveness’ ratings in September 2024.

Oldfield Primary School had previously been rated ‘Outstanding’ following a visit by Ofsted in September 2014.

The school was rated 'outstanding' in all aspects during the April inspection, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

Pupils ‘relish’ the challenges set by teachers and achieve 'exceptionally well', including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as their needs are addressed with 'careful support'.

All 419 pupils on roll are encouraged to take on roles and responsibilities and ‘delight’ in taking the initiative and contributing to the wider community.

They say it is a ‘brilliant place to learn and make friends' and these experiences help pupils demonstrate the school’s values of kindness, respect and resilience.

Children get off to a great start with a ‘firm foundation’ in the early years and settle quickly because they are so well supported, with a 'buddy' system for Reception students and older pupils. 

Headteacher Catherine Page joined the school in 2021, and the report said leaders make 'well-considered' decisions to maintain high-quality learning experiences for pupils and are 'considerate' of staff's workload and welfare.

Pupils attend 'very well' because they enjoy being at school, and they show 'highly positive attitudes' to learning. 

The school has high expectations of pupils’ behaviour, and pupils have a secure understanding of tolerance and mutual respect.