‘The Welford Way’ sets pupils up for the future at Welford Sibbertoft and Sulby Endowed School

Welford Sibbertoft and Sulby Endowed School, part of the Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET), has been recognised by Ofsted in their latest inspection for its warm and inclusive community where ‘leaders are ambitious for every pupil.’

Inspectors highlighted the strong start children receive in the early years, where ‘warm relationships which staff build with both children and their parents help children feel secure and grow in confidence’. Phonics teaching was found to be effective and reading is a clear priority, with staff skilfully developing children’s vocabulary through stories and play.

Across the school, relationships between staff and pupils are respectful and positive. Pupils live out ‘the Welford way’ of being ready, respectful and kind, and inspectors noted that bullying is rare. Parent satisfaction is high, with the report noting that ‘Parents and carers are positive about many aspects of the school's work and recognise the improvements being made. Most speak highly of the care and education that their children receive and the progress they make.’ 

The inspection, which took place on 24 March 2026, found the school to be delivering provision at ‘the expected standard’ across the majority of areas under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, including attendance and behaviour, early years, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Three areas - achievement, curriculum and teaching, and inclusion -  were identified as ‘needs attention’, indicating that while leaders are taking positive steps, further work is needed to embed improvements already noted as being underway, particularly around support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. All safeguarding standards were met.

Abbie Underwood, Principal at Welford, Sibbertoft and Sulby Endowed School, said: "This inspection, under Ofsted's new framework, gives a rich and detailed picture of school life and I am proud that it captures the warmth, belonging and sense of community that makes WSS so special.

“The report also gives a clear picture of how we are already well underway with a programme of support and training for the areas flagged for further attention. We are moving with pace and purpose, and our focus remains firmly on ensuring every single child at this school gets what they need to flourish."

Inspectors highlighted a number of strengths, including:

• Leaders ensure that the school is a calm and purposeful place for pupils to learn in.
• Reading is a priority and phonics teaching is effective.
• Leaders have designed a broad and ambitious curriculum that sets out precisely what pupils need to know and remember.
• There is a collective determination among school leaders and the trust to secure the best outcomes for all pupils. Pupils’ best interests are central to the decisions they make.
• Leaders focus on pupils’ wider development and wellbeing is central to their work.

Inspectors also recognised the school’s ‘rich range of opportunities to broaden pupils’ horizons and develop their talents in arts, music and sports’, noting that pupils benefit from a comprehensive offer of clubs, visits and cultural experiences.

Personal development and an emphasis on good citizenship was also recognised as a particular accomplishment of the school, children accessing a range of leadership opportunities and living out citizenship lessons through dedicated sustainability work, for which the school recently won an award.

Enriching experiences ‘that build pupils’ sense of responsibility and help them gain important life skills’ were also recognised as a particular accomplishment of the school, with the report noting the schools’ focus on sustainability has both won awards and made its way into everyday life with pupils encouraging families to walk or ride to school. ‘These experiences enable pupils to explore the world and life beyond the school and prepare them well for their future lives.’

Ruth Walker-Green, CEO at Peterborough Diocese Education Trust, added: “This inspection reflects the genuine warmth and sense of community that makes Welford Sibbertoft and Sulby Endowed School so special. The dedication of the staff team and the pride that pupils take in their school is clear for all to see.

“We are proud of the progress being made and remain determined to ensure every pupil, including those with additional needs, receives the support they need to thrive. There is a strong foundation here and we are excited to see the school continue to go from strength to strength.”