Carmountside Primary Academy’s personal development and wellbeing support for pupils has been praised in a new Ofsted report.

Inspectors have highlighted this aspect of school life at Carmountside Primary Academy, on Woodhead Road, Abbey Hulton, as a ‘significant strength’.

Personal development and wellbeing have been graded as meeting the strong standard, which Ofsted defines as excellent, consistent work.

Leaders, the report explains, have created a highly ambitious and well-considered programme that reflects a deep understanding of pupils’ lives, experiences and needs.

Personal development is woven through the curriculum, pastoral provision, enrichment offer and wider culture of the school which helps to broaden pupils’ horizons, raise aspirations and develop confidence.

Pupils value these opportunities and speak enthusiastically about clubs, educational visits, ambassadorial roles, performances, sporting opportunities, environmental projects and leadership responsibilities.

Older pupils speak confidently about their ambitions and demonstrate increasing readiness for secondary school. Pastoral support is also praised in the report for being highly effective.

Lisa Challinor, Headteacher, Carmountside Primary Academy, which is part of The Societas Trust, said: "We are absolutely delighted that inspectors recognised our commitment to children's personal development and wellbeing, highlighting this as a significant strength of the school.

"We are equally pleased that the report acknowledges the many positive things happening across our school and reflects the dedication, care and hard work of our staff, pupils, governors and families.

"As a school community, we are proud of what has been achieved together. While the report identifies some areas for further development, inspectors recognised that these were already priorities that we had identified ourselves and acknowledged the work already underway to address them.

“We look forward to building on this positive outcome as we continue to provide the very best opportunities and support for every child."

In line with the government’s updated inspection framework, Ofsted has graded the school across seven areas in addition to safeguarding.

• Personal development and wellbeing – strong standard
• Attendance and behaviour - expected standard
• Curriculum and teaching - expected standard
• Inclusion - expected standard
• Leadership and governance - expected standard
• Achievement - needs attention

• Early years - needs attention
• Safeguarding standards - met

Under Ofsted’s new grading system, the strong standard marks out excellent, consistent work. The expected standard refers to a high standard and shows a school is doing everything it should for pupils.

Needs attention is an indication that there is work to be done to reach the expected standard. Safeguarding standards are judged as either being met or not met.

In other findings, the report notes that leaders are passionate about creating a school where every pupil feels valued. Staff know the children well because they take the time to understand them as individuals.

Pupils from all backgrounds benefit from a genuine sense of belonging. Leaders are determined that pupils access the same opportunities and experiences regardless of their starting points or barriers.

The school’s inclusive approach means that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, disadvantaged pupils and those supported by social care participate fully in school life.

The professional development provided by The Societas Trust for staff has also been commended as a strength.

Inspectors also found that leaders have established an ambitious curriculum and pupils enjoy lessons and speak positively about the wider curriculum.

Whilst some pupils have not achieved the outcomes they were capable of, inspectors acknowledge that leaders have taken effective action to improve the curriculum.

The early years provision is nurturing and inclusive, ensuring that children feel safe and settled. Children develop confidence, communication skills and independence and relationships are positive and supportive.

Some children find it difficult to sustain attention. The report acknowledges that leaders recognise that curriculum implementation is relatively new and requires further embedding.

Jon Lovatt, Chief Executive Officer, The Societas Trust, added: "I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised leaders, staff and governors for their excellent support of the children's personal development and wellbeing and that the professional development for staff provided by the Trust has also been praised."

To read the report, published on 8th September 2026, please visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/139846

Pictured: Headteacher Lisa Challinor (left) with staff and pupils at Carmountside Primary Academy. Photo credit: The Societas Trust.