Nicholas Hawksmoor Primary celebrates "full house" of success in new Ofsted framework
Nicholas Hawksmoor Primary School is celebrating a landmark achievement this week after becoming one of the first schools in the country to secure a "Strong Standard" across every single category of Ofsted’s rigorous new inspection framework.
The inspection, conducted in February 2026, marks a major milestone for the school under the national "report card" system introduced late last year. Moving away from single-word judgements, the new framework evaluates schools across seven key areas, including Achievement, Inclusion, and Leadership. Nicholas Hawksmoor achieved the Strong Standard - a grade indicating practice that is consistently high-quality and above statutory requirements - in all seven categories, while also meeting all safeguarding standards.
The new Ofsted "secure fit" model requires schools to meet every single criterion of the Expected Standard before they can even be considered for a Strong Standard. Inspectors praised the school's "relentless drive" to ensure all pupils succeed, noting that attendance remains significantly above national averages.
"I am extremely proud of this outcome, which reflects the hard work of our entire community," said Joseph Fulford, Headteacher. "Achieving a ‘full house’ of Strong Standard judgements at this early stage of the new framework is a clear indicator of a very high-performing school. It’s a testament to our pupils’ enthusiasm and the dedication of a staff team that consistently go above and beyond.”
The report particularly recognised its commitment to a rich and broad curriculum that develops athletic and artistic excellence, noting "the Arts are the beating heart of the school," with pupils also excelling in sports, music and drama.
Andrea Curtis, CEO of The Hawksmoor Learning Trust, commented on the wider impact of the result: "This outcome validates the collaborative strength of our Trust. Nicholas Hawksmoor is not just meeting expectations; it is setting a benchmark for others to follow. We are delighted that Ofsted recognised the productive and inclusive culture that Joseph and his team have fostered."
The data backed up the inspectors' praise, with school performance consistently sitting above national averages. With Ofsted noting that "next steps" should focus on sustaining this excellence with an eye toward "Exceptional" grades in the future, the school remains ambitious. "We will continue to build on our strengths," Mr. Fulford added. "Our focus remains firmly on providing the best possible opportunities for our children to be confident and enthusiastic in their learning."