Elm CofE Primary School, Wisbech

Ofsted's report card from its 19 May 2026 inspection grades Elm CofE Primary School on 7 areas: 4 strong standard and 3 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders prioritise attendance through a systematic and diligent approach."

Curriculum and teaching - Strong standard. "Leaders oversee the curriculum and teaching with clarity and purpose."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Leaders and staff maintain high expectations for all pupils."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders have a highly accurate and detailed understanding of the school's strengths and priorities."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Leaders are ambitious for all pupils."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have established a curriculum that supports children to develop securely across all areas of learning."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "The personal, social and health education curriculum is carefully planned and supported by a structured scheme."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to embed the curriculum and teaching approaches to ensure that pupils' achievements are reflected in above average outcomes over time"; "Leaders should increase opportunities beyond the classroom to enable pupils to further develop their talents and interests"; "Leaders should continue to provide support and training so that staff, particularly those in early years, employ consistently high-quality interactions to support language and communication".

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Elm C of E we are passionate about children's learning and relish the challenge of guiding our children through life. Elm C of E Primary School is a popular school in the vibrant village of Elm Cambridgeshire, with 208 learners on roll. The culture of our school ensures that every child is known well and valued."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school care until 5:45pm.

In 2025, 68% of Year 6 pupils at Elm CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 74% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 74% in Cambridgeshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 78% in reading and 84% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 20 families put Elm CofE Primary School as their first choice and 32 named it as one of their preferences, for 21 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Elm CofE Primary School are Friday Bridge Community Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 41% reading, 53% maths); Elm Road Primary School (1.6 miles, Good, 65% reading, 71% maths); Emneth Academy (1.6 miles, Good, 64% reading, 72% maths); and Ramnoth Junior School (1.7 miles, Good, 69% reading, 65% maths).

Elm CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

Elm CofE Primary School is one of 38 schools run by Grace Schools, an academy trust.

5.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 41 pupils (16.9%) received SEN support and 6 (2.5%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a moderate learning difficulty.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Elm CofE Primary School.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Abington Grove (opposite), 30 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 26 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Cambridgeshire (57).

In 2024/25, Elm CofE Primary School issued 3 suspensions, 1.3 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Elm CofE Primary School are Thomas Clarkson Academy (1.3 miles) and The Wisbech Academy (1.3 miles).