Ofsted praise positive changes at Swindon primary school

In its first Ofsted inspection since Nythe Primary School joined Excalibur Academies Trust, praise was in abundance for members across the school community in relation to behaviour, leadership, expectations, attendance and attainment.

Ofsted said: “Nythe Primary is a happy and caring place to learn, with the school’s motto ‘Together may our feathers give us wings to soar’ underpinning high ambition for all.”

Ofsted made the following key judgements following school inspection on 18 March 2025.

Quality of education: Requires improvement

Behaviour and attitudes: Good

Personal Development: Good

Leadership and management: Good

Early years provision: Good

The report states that: "The school has been through an unsettling time. Following leadership and staffing instability, pupils behaviour and standards declined. However, things have begun to change for the better. The school is now on a stable footing with determined and ambitious leadership. This is beginning to impact pupils' achievement positively."

Ofsted went on to praise the school. They said that social times at Nythe are happy and fulfilling, and school leaders have transformed pupils’ experiences at lunchtime. Pupils of all ages play harmoniously together. They revel in creating bug hotels, making ‘soup’ in the mud kitchen and physical challenges. Pupils describe outdoor time as ‘the best’ and ‘a chance to role-play together’. Furthermore, Ofsted noted students’ acceptance for everyone, with a “mature understanding of protected characteristics."

Gudrun Osborn, Principal at Nythe Primary School said: “We pride ourselves in putting the children at the heart of everything we do. Visitors to the school leave with the strong impression of both the children’s and staff’s enthusiasm, happiness, supportiveness, kindness and recognition that the children enjoy being with us. We are delighted the Ofsted report has captured this.”

Nick Lewis, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust said: “We are incredibly proud of this report which recognises the collective commitment, determination and hard work of the team at Nythe. It also highlights the success and importance of the rigorous support and challenge being provided by our Trust.”