CostonChallenge Partners
CHALLENGE PARTNERS QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW
KEY HIGHLIGHTS – JANUARY 2026
In January 2026, Coston Primary School took part in a Quality Assurance Review (QAR) with Challenge Partners, a national educational charity that supports schools through professional peer review. The review involved experienced school leaders working alongside our staff to evaluate leadership, teaching and learning, and outcomes for pupils.
The QAR is developmental rather than judgemental and is not the same as an Ofsted inspection. It provides an external, professional view of what the school does well and what it should focus on next.
OVERALL OUTCOME
The review team evaluated Coston Primary School as Leading in all areas:
- Leadership at all levels – Leading
- Quality of provision and outcomes – Leading
- Quality of provision and outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with additional needs – Leading
- Overall peer evaluation estimate – Leading
WHAT THE REVIEW TEAM RECOGNISED AS STRENGTHS
- A calm, welcoming and inclusive culture where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn from the moment they arrive at school.
- Excellent behaviour and engagement, underpinned by strong relationships, clear routines and a restorative approach to behaviour.
- Strong leadership at all levels, with clear self-evaluation and improvement planning that leads to tangible improvements in teaching and learning.
- High-quality teaching, with effective modelling, consistent routines and a strong focus on language and oracy across the curriculum.
- Strong outcomes, particularly by the end of Key Stage 2, despite the challenges of high pupil mobility.
- Effective support for pupils who are new to the school, ensuring academic, pastoral and safeguarding needs are identified quickly.
- A calm, purposeful and language-rich Early Years environment, supporting children’s early reading, writing and mathematical development.
- Inclusive and purposeful lunchtimes, with Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) strengthening pupils’ wellbeing, friendships and sense of belonging.
- Strong provision for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with additional needs, including improved attendance, reduced suspensions for pupils with SEND, and positive relationships with adults.
AREAS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
As part of the review, the team also identified next steps to help the school continue to improve, including:
- Further refining how key knowledge and skills are assessed and tracked over time.
- Ensuring classroom support is always precisely matched to pupils’ immediate learning and language needs.
These priorities align closely with the school’s existing development plans.
For further information parents and carers can read a written summary of the review, and the complete Quality Assurance Review report on the school website.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
To read the full report, please click here
