Newton-le-Willows Primary School has received its latest Ofsted inspection report, following a visit by inspectors in January 2026.
The report, published in March, paints a picture of a school that has made real progress in recent years – particularly in its core subjects – but also highlights areas where further improvement is needed.
Inspectors confirmed that safeguarding standards are met, and praised the warm, supportive atmosphere that greets pupils each day. Pupils at Newton-le-Willows Primary feel safe, valued and ready to learn, building secure relationships with staff and with one another. Behaviour across the school was described as calm and orderly, and attendance has improved, now being close to national averages.
One of the most encouraging findings is the improvement in academic results. Attainment in reading, writing and mathematics has risen since 2023 and is now typically in line with national averages – a notable step forward from where the school was just a few years ago. Writing results in the most recent year were actually above the national average, and results for disadvantaged pupils are broadly in line with national figures for that group.
The inspection used Ofsted’s new report card system, which grades different aspects of school life separately. Attendance and behaviour at Newton-le-Willows Primary were judged to meet the expected standard. However, a number of other areas — including achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and personal development — were graded as “needs attention.” Under the new framework, this means the school is not yet meeting expected standards, but that leaders are considered capable of making the necessary improvements.
Inspectors noted that the quality of the curriculum and teaching at Newton-le-Willows Primary is uneven across different subjects, with stronger provision in English and maths than in the wider curriculum. In early years, the curriculum is new and there is a need for additional training for staff, and inspectors noted the absence of a designated early years leader. On inclusion, the report found that identification and support for pupils with special educational needs is in place but not always applied consistently enough.
On leadership, inspectors acknowledged that leaders make decisions with pupils at the centre, and have identified the right priorities, but called for greater urgency and sharper oversight going forward.
Inspectors also noted that Newton-le-Willows Primary pupils currently have limited enrichment opportunities — such as music, sports and creative activities — and called on leaders to broaden the personal development offer.
Headteacher Mrs Lauren Chisnall leads a school of 602 pupils, and the report sets out clear next steps for the leadership team to work through, focused on strengthening curriculum delivery, early years provision, and support for pupils with additional needs.
You can read the full Ofsted report here.