'A really proud moment'- Harris Primary School's inclusivity is particularly applauded in new Ofsted report

A primary school in Preston has shared its immense pride after a new Ofsted report was published this month.

Harris Primary School on Wychnor, Fulwood was inspected by the educational watchdog on April 14 2026.

This was the school’s first inspection under the new Ofsted framework which you can read more about here but it in summary means

Before this inspection, Harris Primary School, currently home to 243 pupils, had been considered a ‘good’ school since online records began in 2001.

How was Harris Primary School graded this time around?

One category at the school was given the second highest rating that can be given, whilst the other six were deemed to be of the standard below that.

The Ofsted report grades are:

• Inclusion*: Strong standard (dark green)
• Achievement: Expected standard (light green)
• Attendance and behaviour: Expected standard (light green)
• Curriculum and teaching: Expected standard (light green)
• Early years: Expected standard (light green)
• Leadership and governance: Expected standard (light green)
• Personal development and wellbeing: Expected standard (light green)

*Inclusion is a new category

What did Ofsted say was particularly good about Harris Primary School?

Inclusion at the school was deemed its strongest category, with inspectors elaborating: “Leaders have created a culture that consistently supports the achievement of all pupils. They know every child as an individual. Leaders rigorously follow each pupil's academic progress. They track carefully how pupils are managing socially and their behaviour. This includes disadvantaged pupils, pupils known to social care and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Barriers to success are swiftly and effectively identified and addressed.”

Leaders are then said to have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievement which are largely met as they “consistently behave well” and “on the whole” achieve well, with the school preparing them “effectively for the next stage in their education”.

The curriculum is also described as “engaging and enjoyable”, having been developed “to meet the needs of Harris pupils”, whilst pupils “are taught well”.

In the early years, their curriculum too is “ambitious” with leaders having “made the education of the children in early years a priority”.

Particularly positive comments were made by inspectors when describing what it is like to be a pupil at the school, including that “Pupils are proud of their school. They talk about the ‘Harris Way’. Pupils have positive, respectful relationships with staff. They are caring and understand what discrimination means. They believe that everyone is equal.”

In this section, inspectors also said that pupils “are quickly ready to learn”, settling “promptly into the routines of the day and enjoy[ing] their lessons.”

Additional praise was given to the array of extra-curricular activities which helps pupils “find school to be a hub of activity”, as well as the “comprehensive personal development curriculum” and the effective oversight of leaders governers.

What does Harris Primary School need to improve?

In the ‘next steps’ part of the report, inspectors highlighted three specific things for the school to focus on.

The first two involved pupil’s attainment, with leaders being asked to “continue their work ”:

1. “on the teaching of foundational skills in writing to ensure the consistency of implementation across all ages of the school”.
2. “to ensure foundational knowledge in mathematics builds progressively and pupils are given the opportunity to apply this knowledge as they progress through school”.

Finally, the school was asked to continue its work with families to raise attendance, “particularly for those taking holidays in term time”.

What did Harris Primary School say about it’s new report?

Headteacher Ian Groom said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent inspection. It reflects the dedication of our staff team, the positivity of our pupils and the strong partnership we have with families.

“This is a really proud moment for our school. We have worked hard to create an environment where pupils feel safe, happy and ready to learn, and where every child is supported to achieve their best and valued as an individual.

“This achievement belongs to our whole school community, and we look forward to continuing to build on this success together.”