Priestnall School is celebrating a highly positive Ofsted report, which praises the school’s ambitious culture, strong leadership and focus on academic success, as well as its commitment to helping every pupil succeed.
The school, part of the Laurus Trust, was inspected in September 2026 under Ofsted’s new framework. Inspectors recognised that “leaders have a clear vision to ensure that the school offers an education of the highest quality. Their actions have resulted in consistently high standards across all areas of the school’s work.”
The report card shows:
Strong standard in:
- Achievement
- Curriculum and teaching
- Inclusion
- Leadership and governance
- Personal development and wellbeing
Expected standard in:
- Attendance and behaviour
Safeguarding was confirmed as effective, with an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, pupils are made safer and feel safe.
A school transformed
A key theme throughout the report is the transformation that has taken place at Priestnall in recent years since joining the Laurus Trust.
Inspectors recognised the close partnership between school and trust leaders, stating that they have “worked tirelessly together to ensure that pupils have the school that they deserve”. The report highlights the clear vision that has driven improvements across the school and the high expectations now embedded throughout daily life.
As a result, Ofsted found that pupils are happy, feel safe and benefit from an environment where they can achieve success both academically and personally.
Preparing pupils for success
Inspectors found that pupils are “incredibly well prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training”, with attainment at the end of Key Stage 4 consistently above national averages.
The report praises the school’s carefully planned curriculum, which enables pupils to develop and connect their knowledge over time. Teachers were recognised for using their subject expertise effectively, helping pupils to understand challenging concepts and achieve well.
Ofsted also highlighted the school’s focus on oracy, giving pupils the confidence to communicate their ideas clearly and thoughtfully.
Opportunity beyond the classroom
The report recognises the wide range of opportunities available to pupils beyond their academic studies.
Inspectors praised the school’s extensive enrichment programme and highlighted the broad range of electives available, allowing pupils to develop new interests and talents. Ofsted noted that, “Pupils’ experiences are greatly enriched by an abundance of opportunities to discover new activities, visit different countries, assume meaningful leadership roles and contribute to charitable endeavours.”
The report also acknowledges Priestnall’s work to develop confident, compassionate young people through a culture built on respect, inclusion and understanding. Particular praise was given to the support provided for pupils with SEND, including those within the school’s specially resourced provision, who are supported to achieve highly and participate fully in school life.
What it’s like to be a pupil at this school
The report expressed that “pupils are highly appreciative of the improvements that leaders have made to the school since it joined the trust. These changes have resulted in pupils’ experiences being transformed for the better. For example, leaders have invested in sports facilities, strengthened teaching and established a culture where pupils behave well and try their best. As a result, pupils feel happy in school. They attend regularly, keen to make the most of the wealth of opportunities on offer.”
Rachel Howarth, Head of School at Priestnall School, said:
“We are very pleased that Ofsted has recognised the transformation in Priestnall School since joining the Laurus Trust, for it to now be a school which our students deserve. One in which pupils’ attainment in all subjects is consistently strong. We are particularly proud of the reflections on what it is like to be a student at Priestnall School, which is reflective of the culture and ethos we create.
This represents a significant and positive milestone for our school community. We are determined to build on this strong foundation, continuing to raise aspirations and ensure that every student leaves our school confident, successful and equipped to thrive in their chosen future.”
Martin Vevers, CEO of the Laurus Trust, added:
“This is an incredible report for Priestnall School and a testament to the dedication, expertise and ambition shown by staff, students, governors and families across the entire school community.
At the Laurus Trust, we are committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is particularly encouraging to see Ofsted recognise Priestnall School’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, high expectations and student achievement.
The report also acknowledges the strength of leadership, the high-quality professional learning available to staff, and the collective determination to ensure that every student is challenged, supported and well prepared for the future.
We are incredibly proud of the progress Priestnall School has made. Working closely with school leaders, staff, governors and families, we will continue to work tirelessly to build on this success and further enhance the high-quality education and opportunities available to every student.”
The full report can be read here: Priestnall School – Ofsted Reports