Samlesbury Church of England Primary School described as being 'like a family' in new Ofsted report

A primary school in Samlesbury, near Preston, has said it is “absolutely delighted” with its new Ofsted report published last month.

Samlesbury Church of England Primary School on Potters Lane was inspected by the educational watchdog on May 19 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 schools are judged using a five tiered traffic light system now instead.

Before this inspection, Samlesbury Church of England Primary School, currently home to 65 pupils, had been considered a ‘good’ school since online records began in 2005, apart from one ‘outstanding’ report in 2008.

How was Samlesbury Church of England Primary School graded this time around?

One category at the school were 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:

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

*Inclusion is a new category

What did Ofsted say was particularly good about Samlesbury Church of England Primary School?

Describing what it’s like to be a pupil at the school, inspectors said: “Pupils thrive in this warm, nurturing and inclusive environment. The school’s small size helps create a strong sense of belonging and community. Pupils describe the school as 'like a family'. They are safe, valued and listened to. Relationships between staff and pupils are caring and respectful.”

Indeed inclusivity was noted as one of the school’s three biggest strengths, the others being attendance and behaviour and personal development.

On the former, inspectors praised how children behave well in lessons and around school, adding “They are polite, kind and supportive of one another, reflecting the school’s Christian values and ethos of 'Let your light shine’”.

Attendance was given special mention too, with inspectors writing “Samlesbury’s learning experience is hard to resist. Typically, pupils want to be in school on time, every day.”

The personal development programme is then said to be “rich and well-thought-out”, helping pupils “grow into confident, thoughtful and responsible young people”.

Elsewhere, pupils achieve well across all subjects, including those who are disadvantaged, which is reflected in the school's published test results and means “most pupils are well prepared for secondary school”.

Good achievement is underpinned by the curriculum, which is described as “suitably broad and logical” and well enriched “through trips, visitors and memorable experiences”; as well as the teaching, with staff having “secure subject knowledge”, “effective strategies for teaching mixed-age classes” and “effective strategies to check on pupil’s understanding”.

The early years curriculum is then said to have been recently updated so that it is now “well designed and ambitious” with children making “steady progress” throughout their time there.

Finally, leaders were praised for their ambition, expertise and “detailed understanding of the school and its context”.

What does Samlesbury Church of England Primary School need to improve?

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

First, that leaders should “continue to evaluate the curriculum carefully, using analysis of the school’s evolving context to inform necessary changes that shape and deepen pupils’ learning”.

Leaders were also asked to ensure that the recently updated early years curriculum, including the teaching of phonics, is taught consistently well across all classes.

What did Samlesbury Church of England Primary School say about it’s new report?

Co-Headteachers Louise Quayle and Lucy Sutton said: "We are absolutely delighted with the report, which recognises many of the features that make Samlesbury such a special place. We are incredibly proud of our wonderful children, dedicated staff, supportive governors and fantastic families, who all play such an important part in our school community.

“We are especially proud that Ofsted described our school as 'like a family' and recognised that our pupils 'thrive in this warm, nurturing and inclusive environment'. Those words perfectly capture the caring Christian ethos that lies at the heart of Samlesbury and the community we strive to create every day.

“As a small school, every child at Samlesbury is truly known and valued. Our aim is to create an environment where children feel safe, happy and inspired to learn, while enjoying all the opportunities that childhood should bring. Our Christian Vision, ‘Let your light shine’, underpins everything we do, whether that's in our Forest School, performing in drama productions, taking part in residential visits, leading our school council or exploring the wider world through exciting trips, we want every child to discover their unique talents and flourish both academically and personally."

Families interested in finding out more about Samlesbury Church of England Primary School are warmly invited to drop in to their Open Day on Wednesday 7th October 1.15pm-4.00pm, or to arrange a personal visit and experience the school's welcoming atmosphere for themselves. It's just minutes from Preston and Junction 31 of the M6, set in a peaceful rural setting.