Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School

Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School is performing at the expected standard overall, with safeguarding standards met. Pupils typically achieve well, attendance is consistently above national averages, behaviour is calm and orderly, and most pupils become confident readers. The early years provision gives children a positive start, and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils generally make secure progress from their starting points. The school has experienced significant recent change: it has moved to NET Academies Trust and had several changes of headteacher, with the headteacher absent during the inspection and an interim headteacher present. School and trust leaders share a clear vision and have acted decisively to improve curriculum, behaviour and SEND systems. The curriculum is broad and well organised, inclusion work has been strengthened, and personal development includes a coherent programme and a wide range of enrichment. There are still areas to improve. Teachers' checks on learning do not consistently identify precisely what pupils know and can do, so work is not always adapted well for pupils just below expected standards or for high attainers. A sizeable minority of parents remain dissatisfied, and leaders need to strengthen communication and engagement with families and staff. Pupils' understanding of democracy, individual liberty and different beliefs and cultures is less well developed, and some parents report that their children with SEND do not receive the support they need, although staff typically meet needs in class.

Strengths

• Pupils typically achieve well and are prepared for the next stage of their education.
• Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND generally achieve well from their starting points.
• Attendance is consistently above national averages, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
• Behaviour is calm and orderly, and pupils have positive attitudes to learning.
• Bullying is rare and incidents of unkind behaviour are addressed quickly and effectively.
• The curriculum is broad and well organised across all subjects.
• Reading is a high priority and the phonics programme is delivered well.
• Early years provision gives children a positive start and most are well prepared for Year 1.
• Strategic leadership of SEND has been strengthened and pupils with SEND typically access the curriculum alongside their peers.
• School and trust leaders share a clear and ambitious vision and have provided effective support through recent changes.
• Personal development is coherent and pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
• Staff build positive and respectful relationships with pupils, who feel safe and that they belong.
• Professional development is prioritised and leaders are mindful of staff workload and wellbeing.

Areas for Improvement

• Teachers' checks on learning do not consistently identify precisely how well pupils are learning.
• Work is not always adapted to match what pupils know and can do, so some pupils make less progress than they could.
• Pupils working just below expected standards and high attainers are particularly affected by inconsistent adaptation.
• A sizeable minority of parents and carers remain dissatisfied with the school.
• Communication and engagement with parents, carers and staff need strengthening.
• Some parents report that their children with SEND do not receive the support they need.
• Pupils' understanding of democracy, individual liberty and different beliefs and cultures is less well developed.
• Pupils do not learn as well where curriculum improvements are still being embedded.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

• Hare Street Community Primary School and Nursery

Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School is part of Net Academies Trust, which runs 9 schools. The nearest others:

• Harlowbury Primary School Harlow
• Tany's Dell Primary School and Nursery Harlow
• Abbotsweld Primary Academy Harlow
• Latton Green Primary Academy Harlow
• Longwood Primary Academy Harlow
• Jerounds Primary Academy Harlow
• Katherines Primary Academy and Nursery Harlow
• Waltham Holy Cross Primary Academy Waltham Abbey

What is Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School is Expected standard, from an inspection in October 2026.

When was Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School last inspected by Ofsted?

Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School was last inspected in October 2026.

How many pupils does Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School have?

Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School has 208 pupils on roll.

What age range does Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School cover?

Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School for pupils aged 4 to 11.

What are Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 52% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School?

Fawbert and Barnard's Primary School is at London Road, Old Harlow, Essex, CM17 0DA.