Ofsted

Understanding the new Ofsted framework

Ofsted has introduced a new inspection framework, which provides a more detailed picture of different aspects of a school’s provision. Rather than awarding a single overall judgement, inspectors evaluate seven areas of school life individually: Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Early years, Attendance and behaviour, Personal development and wellbeing, Inclusion and Leadership and governance. 

Each area is graded using one of five descriptors:

• Exceptional: Practice that is among the very best nationally and could be shared with other schools.
• Strong standard: Excellent and consistent practice that makes a significant difference to pupils’ experiences and outcomes.
• Expected standard: The school is providing the education, care and support that pupils should receive.
• Needs attention: Aspects of provision require further development to reach the expected standard.
• Urgent improvement: Significant improvements are required.

Safeguarding is assessed separately, with inspectors confirming whether the school’s safeguarding arrangements are Met or Not met.

Our Ofsted outcomes

Grinling Gibbons Primary School was inspected by Ofsted on 9 September 2026. We are pleased to share the findings of the inspection, which provide an overview of the quality of education, care and opportunities we provide for our pupils. The inspection recognised a number of strengths across Grinling Gibbons Primary School and acknowledged the commitment of our staff, the positive experiences of our pupils and the work undertaken by leaders to provide an inclusive, ambitious and supportive learning environment. We are particularly proud of the judgement for Personal development and wellbeing, which was graded Strong standard, and that our safeguarding arrangements were confirmed as Met.

Read the full Ofsted report here – GG Ofsted Report 2026

What inspectors recognised as our strengths

The inspection highlighted the breadth of experiences and opportunities that contribute to life at Grinling Gibbons, recognising the strength of our highly inclusive approach to personal development and wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring that pupils benefit from a rich and varied education that extends well beyond the classroom. Through cultural celebrations, residential visits, museum trips, sailing in Greenwich and visits to the Houses of Parliament, pupils develop their understanding of the wider world, build confidence and experience opportunities that broaden their horizons. Inspectors also identified how confidently pupils speak about important issues such as anti-racism, inclusion, tolerance and democracy, alongside their understanding of how to keep themselves safe, both online and offline.

Inspectors recognised the quality of education and support provided across the school and highlighted how pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well and are prepared effectively for the next stage of their education. Inspectors acknowledged our strong focus on early reading and phonics, alongside the targeted support available through Grinling Gardens to help pupils access learning and overcome barriers. They also recognised the positive relationships we have established with families and external partners, and the supportive culture created by school leaders, where staff feel valued and supported in their work.

Safeguarding was another important strength recognised during the inspection. Inspectors confirmed that the school has an open culture where safeguarding is understood to be everyone’s responsibility. Pupils feel safe, know which adults they can turn to for support and are confident that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon. This reflects the importance we place on building positive relationships, creating a culture of trust and ensuring that children feel secure, valued and supported.

The inspection further noted that pupils’ behaviour is generally positive, contributing to a calm and purposeful environment in which children can learn. Positive relationships between pupils and staff underpin this, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of expectations and knowing that there are trusted adults available to help them. Together, these findings reflect our commitment to providing an inclusive school community where children are supported academically, socially and emotionally, and where their individual needs, achievements and wider development are valued.

Our priorities for further development

We recognise that effective schools continually evaluate their work and look for ways to improve. The inspection identified areas for further development, which are central to our ongoing improvement priorities.

• Improving attendance

Attendance and behaviour was graded as Needs attention, reflecting that our attendance levels are below national averages and there are high levels of persistent absence. Inspectors recognised that leaders understand the barriers affecting attendance for some families and are working proactively with parents, carers and external partners to address these challenges. Our priority is to build on this work, evaluating the impact of our strategies carefully and refining our approach to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to benefit from regular, consistent attendance.

Looking ahead

We are proud of the many strengths recognised in our Ofsted report, particularly the strong standard achieved for personal development and wellbeing. The findings also provide a valuable opportunity to reflect, strengthen our practice and focus on the areas where further development is needed. Leaders and staff are committed to using the inspection feedback purposefully to ensure that every pupil receives a high-quality education and has access to experiences and opportunities for them to flourish. We look forward to building on the strengths recognised in this report and continuing to make Grinling Gibbons a school in which our pupils, families and wider community can take pride.