'Inclusive' Leeds primary school told to improve national test results in mixed Ofsted report
“Leaders are eager to meet the diverse needs of their pupils”
A primary school in Leeds praised for its “inclusion strategy” has been told to improve in four other areas by Ofsted.
Wykebeck Primary School, located on Brander Street, Gipton, received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in three of the seven categories, and a ‘Needs attention’ rating in the remaining four categories during a March 2026 inspection.
The school received a ‘Needs attention’ rating for achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, and early years.
Previously rated as Good under the old grading system during a 2021 inspection, the school received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the categories of inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.
“Leaders are eager to understand and meet the diverse needs of their pupils,” the report said. “For pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the process of identification and assessment of needs is swift. This ensures support is ready to help pupils thrive.
“Leaders' inclusion strategy ensures disadvantaged pupils are supported to succeed. Leaders use extra funding wisely to bridge any gaps between these pupils and their peers. For example, leaders break down the barriers to participation in enrichment activities disadvantaged pupils face.”
Personal development at Wykebeck primary is “highly regarded,” according to the report. Teachers design and deliver the personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum to a high standard. Pupils learn about staying safe, healthy relationships and online safety.
Leaders understand the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Their strategic planning provides clear guidance. Improving the educational experience for pupils is a key goal, and leaders' actions are paying off in the areas that need their attention most.
One of these areas is achievement, where inspectors noted that “too many pupils do not achieve well enough.” Last year, the school's results in national tests in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stage 2 were below the national average in most areas.
Attendance at Wykebeck is also said to be below the national average. It is improving, but has been “stubbornly low.” Leaders are reported to have made attendance a priority and have put plans in place to drive it up.
Focusing on the next steps to improve, the education watchdog added: “Leaders should ensure that recent positive steps to improve provision in the early years are fully embedded so that more children are ready for Year 1 by the end of Reception.
“They should continue to support improvements in teaching so that the curriculum is implemented consistently well across all subjects and year groups and leads to all pupils systematically building the knowledge and skills they need to achieve well and to be ready for the next stage in their education.”
Most pupils at Wykebeck behave well, according to the report. When low-level disruption affects others’ learning, staff respond with urgency. They apply the school's behaviour policy effectively in order to correct any inappropriate behaviour.
The school's motto, 'know the way, go the way, show the way' helps leaders and staff to prepare pupils for their next steps in education and life.
Headteacher Viv Watson is confident that the school is on the right trajectory and is working with other local schools to share best practices.
“We are proud of the strengths the inspection team have highlighted and in particular, Wykebeck’s commitment to strategic leadership and our inclusive, caring practice,” she said. “The new and strengthened leadership team is making the improvements the school needs and often under challenging circumstances.
“As a hard-working adaptive school that meets the complex needs of a diverse community, we are already working hard on these priorities and are confident that the actions we have in place will continue to strengthen outcomes for our children.”
“Above all, the school is proud of the vital role we play in our community, and we remain absolutely committed to ensuring every child is safe, supported and able to flourish regardless of their starting point or individual needs.”