Hunnyhill Primary School in Newport, Isle of Wight, is celebrating a strong Ofsted report which recognises the school’s transformation since its last inspection.
Following its latest inspection in July 2025, Ofsted has judged the school good in every area – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from the school’s previous overall judgement of ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2022.
Inspectors praised the school’s inclusive ambitious curriculum and the steps leaders have taken to strengthen teaching and learning. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are now achieving well, supported by effective teaching and carefully designed learning activities.
Other key highlights from the report include:
- “Since the last inspection the school has ensured that reading is a priority … teachers provide extra help for pupils who are behind where they need to be in their reading. This ensures they catch up quickly. Pupils throughout the school enjoy reading and discussing books.”
- “Children in the early years get off to a strong start. Children are very well prepared for the next stage in their education.”
- “Pupils are polite and respectful to each other in both social times and lessons. The school’s values and the relationships with staff ensure that this is the case.”
- “The personal, social and health education curriculum ensures that pupils understand how to be healthy and safe.”
- “A range of leadership opportunities including sports leaders and librarians give pupils responsibility and a voice.”
- “Staff feel well supported with their workload and wellbeing.”
Building on this fantastic report, the school is also looking forward to formally joining Ormiston Academies Trust on the 1 October, having worked informally with Ormiston for the last year. This marks an exciting new chapter, as the school prepares to work in even closer partnership with other Ormiston schools: to share best practice, learn from their expertise and ensure that it continues on its strong upward trajectory.
By becoming part of the wider Ormiston community, the school is confident it can further strengthen its provision and deliver the very best outcomes for pupils.
Lisa Steedman, Headteacher at Hunnyhill Primary School, said: “We are thrilled with this outcome, which recognises the huge progress Hunnyhill has made since the last inspection. To achieve ‘Good’ in every area is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our pupils and the support of our families.
“It is especially rewarding to see inspectors highlight the improvements in both teaching and learning and the caring, inclusive culture we value so highly. Hunnyhill is a school where children are not only achieving well but growing in confidence and character. As we look forward to joining Ormiston Academies Trust, we are excited to build on these strong foundations and continue driving the school forward.”
Click here for the inspection report.