Elements Primary School

Elements Primary School in Middleton, Leeds, which opened its doors to pupils in 2018 has been rated Good in all areas in its first Ofsted report.

In the report, released this week, inspectors praised the school for its high ambitions for pupils, its strong curriculum and its highly effective teaching of reading.

Inspectors reported that: “This is a school where leaders welcome and encourage pupils to be ‘world-changers’. Leaders want pupils to aim high. They have designed an ‘Elements’ curriculum to broaden pupils’ ambitions.” They also commended the leadership with comments such as: “Senior leaders and those responsible for governance speak with passion about the school. They act to improve the educational and wider experiences on offer for all pupils.

Early years provision was also singled out for praise with inspectors stating: “Leaders have planned the knowledge, skills and personal qualities that they want children to learn in the early years. Adults know their children well and adapt the curriculum to meet their needs…Leaders continue to enhance the learning environment.”

Carrie Green, Executive Principal at Elements, said: “Any Ofsted inspection is an anxious time for a school but when it is the very first one, it is a particularly nerve wracking experience. I’m delighted with the way the team handled it and showcased brilliantly the excellent work that they do every day here at Elements.

“Since opening in 2018, we have worked tirelessly to develop a rich and exciting curriculum, a nurturing and supportive environment, and to embed the school firmly in the local community. We are thrilled that the inspectors saw what a fantastic school Elements is and acknowledged the way the team are creating a whole new generation of ‘world changers’ in our little corner of Leeds. The report is testimony to the efforts and talents of the whole Elements family and I’m incredibly proud of them.”

Mark Wilson, CEO of Wellspring Academy Trust which sponsors Elements, added: “Creating a successful new school from scratch is no easy feat. This report is welcome recognition of the superb job Carrie and the team have done, which has built on the important groundwork laid by Carrie’s predecessor Sarah Horsbrough. I am extremely pleased that the inspectors have recognised the quality of education on offer at Elements, alongside the high ambitions for all pupils and warm, supportive ethos.”

Elements opened in temporary facilities in 2018 before its £6m purpose-built school site opened in 2020. Operating a staggered opening, the Middleton free school is now home to children from reception level to year 4, and will be open to pupils in all years from September 2025.