'Highly inclusive' Leeds primary school praised for high-quality curriculum - Ofsted report

A primary school in Leeds has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for offering a “high-quality curriculum.”

Kirkstall Valley Primary School, located on Argie Road, Burley, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in the areas of achievement, inclusion and personal development during an inspection on March 3, 2026.

The school, which was previously rated as Good overall under the old scoring system in 2022, also received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the areas of attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, and leadership and governance.

Visiting inspectors praised the school’s curriculum and teachers for ensuring that pupils achieve above the national standard at Stage 2.

“Over time, many pupils achieve highly from what are usually low starting points,” the report said. “This means that published data for key stage 2 are typically above national figures.

“Disadvantaged pupils achieve more highly than disadvantaged pupils nationally by the end of Year 6. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education, regardless of their levels of need.”

A “forensic approach to monitoring” ensures that pupils' needs are swiftly identified, according to the report. Staff ensure that effective support is in place to meet these needs, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are otherwise disadvantaged.

Leaders have crafted a “highly inclusive culture” and this is described by the report as particularly noticeable for pupils who speak little or no English when they arrive at the school.

The curriculum for personal, social and health education is well sequenced and progressively demanding. It is carefully matched to the school’s context.

Many pupils at Kirkstall Valley display “exemplary manners and attitudes towards others,” according to the report, with the school's core rules of 'safe, ready, respectful' clear to see.

Focusing on areas of further improvement, the education watchdog added: “Over time, pupils' attendance has been low. Persistent absence has been high and leaders resolutely tackle this in partnership with parents and carers. They seek to understand the root causes of absence.

“Leaders strive to remove any barriers to attendance and as a result of their work, pupils' attendance has improved notably. Persistent absence is decreasing and both are now in line with national figures as a result of leaders' work.”

Teachers and staff have developed a “high-quality, ambitious curriculum in school,” according to the report. This is well sequenced for each subject and leaders take effective action to ensure that curriculums are further refined and improved over time.

The early years provision at Kirkstall Valley Primary School is described as “vibrant and welcoming.” Classrooms are alive with chatter, songs and stories. An effective focus on young children's communication and language skills is evident.

Over time, leaders identify and prioritise key actions for school improvement. They ensure the consistent implementation of these actions and have an accurate appreciation of the school's strengths.

Headteacher Phil Robertson said: “We are absolutely delighted with this report, which stands as a testament to the hard work of our remarkable staff, our supportive parents, and, most importantly, our brilliant children. At Kirkstall Valley, everything we do is driven by courage, compassion, and commitment.

“To see the inspectors recognise our highly inclusive culture and note the genuine sense of care across the school is a wonderful validation of those values. We hold the highest ambitions for every single pupil, and we are thrilled that the excellent progress our children make has been highlighted.

“It is a privilege to lead 'a small school with a big heart', and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey with our community.”