Walesby CofE Primary School, Newark

Ofsted's report card from its 14 April 2026 inspection grades Walesby CofE Primary School on 7 areas: 7 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Expected standard. "As a result of the improvements made to the curriculum, pupils learn what they should and generally achieve well."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders and governors have prioritised improving attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have improved the curriculum substantially since the previous inspection."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have improved the early years markedly since the previous inspection."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Inclusion is a fundamental part of the school's ethos."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and governors have made well-considered changes to the school since the previous inspection."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "There is a well-developed programme to support pupils' personal development."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that staff receive effective training in order to adapt and use the most effective teaching strategies and resources, which will further support pupils to achieve well"; "Leaders should ensure that the school continues to work with parents, pupils and external agencies to further promote and maintain regular attendance".

From the headteacher's welcome: "Every morning, as I stand at the school gate welcoming children and their families, I am reminded what a privilege it is to be Headteacher at Walesby Church of England Primary School."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, yoga, cooking and art.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am.

In 2025, 67% of Year 6 pupils at Walesby CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 75% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 76% in Nottinghamshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 65% in reading and 45% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put Walesby CofE Primary School as their first choice and 19 named it as one of their preferences, for 9 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 Walesby CofE Primary School are St Joseph's Catholic Primary and Nursery School (1.8 miles, Good, 70% reading, 87% maths); The Parkgate Academy (1.8 miles, Good, 72% reading, 78% maths); The Forest View Academy (2.2 miles, Good, 84% reading, 78% maths); and Maun Infant and Nursery School (2.3 miles).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Walesby CofE Primary School.

12.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 9 pupils (10%) received SEN support and 3 (3.3%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

Walesby CofE Primary School had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 16 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 Walesby CofE Primary School.

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is New Hill (opp 16), 80 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson, other theft and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Nottinghamshire (101).

In 2024/25, Walesby CofE Primary School issued 2 suspensions, 2.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.