Isleham Church of England Primary School, Ely

Ofsted's report card from its 19 May 2026 inspection grades Isleham Church of England Primary School on 7 areas: 2 strong standard and 5 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 have established clear and consistent systems to promote regular attendance."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have designed a clear and well-planned programme for personal development, which pupils experience through daily lessons and school life."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Leaders and staff have focused on improving pupils' knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders provide clear direction for improving the curriculum and teaching."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have developed a clear approach to the early years that focuses on helping children settle quickly and feel secure."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders and staff work to identify pupils' needs early and reduce barriers to learning and wellbeing."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders have set a clear direction for the school and taken effective steps to improve key areas, including behaviour, communication with families and the curriculum."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that staff know the precise actions required to enable all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to consistently receive the necessary support to help maximise their progress"; "Leaders should continue to embed the school's actions to enhance the curriculum and teaching so that pupils develop detailed knowledge and skills across a range of subjects".

In its own words: "At Isleham, we work hard to ensure that all children have opportunities to 'Let their light shine' (Matthew 5:16). As a Church of England School we aim to value and respect every individual. We have six Christian values that are taught across the year. These are community, compassion, courage, respect, justice and thankfulness."

From the headteacher's welcome: "It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Isleham Church of England Primary School. We are here for you and your child and we warmly invite you to contact us concerning any aspect of school life or if you require any further information about our school."

The school runs a breakfast club.

In 2025, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Isleham Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 80% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 74% in Cambridgeshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 81% in reading and 71% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 33 families put Isleham Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 50 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. That is 1.1 first choices for every place. 4 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Isleham Church of England Primary School are West Row Academy (2.1 miles, 81% reading, 76% maths); Fordham CofE Primary School (2.1 miles, Good, 77% reading, 83% maths); The Weatheralls Primary School (3.1 miles, Requires improvement, 67% reading, 69% maths); and St Andrew's CofE Primary School (3.2 miles, Good, 82% reading, 80% maths).

Isleham Church of England Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

11.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 4.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (80%) and Mixed (7%).

In 2026, 34 pupils (16.9%) received SEN support and 3 (1.5%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Isleham Church of England Primary School had 15 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Isleham Church of England Primary School.

12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Croft Road (opposite), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 9 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Cambridgeshire (57).

Isleham Church of England Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.