The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) has released a series of inspection reports for primary and secondary schools, as well as further education and training providers in Knowsley, following their evaluations throughout 2025. These assessments aim to ensure that educational institutions meet the expected standards crucial for the development of young people.
Highlights from Primary Schools
Several primary schools in Knowsley received commendable ratings from Ofsted. For instance, Millbrook Community Primary School, located in Kirkby, achieved a “Good” rating across all categories, including quality of education and leadership. The inspection report, dated January 13, 2025, commended the school for fostering an environment where pupils enjoy learning and achieve well academically.
Similarly, Hope Primary School, a joint Catholic and Church of England institution in Huyton, also garnered a “Good” rating as of January 30, 2025. Inspectors noted the strong relationships between pupils and staff, highlighting the school’s warm atmosphere conducive to learning.
Other notable primary schools included Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, which received the same rating on February 6, 2025. The school was praised for its welcoming environment where every child is celebrated. In a similar vein, St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, reported on March 19, 2025, showcased a strong sense of community and adherence to its code of conduct.
The performance of Malvern Primary School was particularly noteworthy, as it received an “Outstanding” rating across all categories in its report dated May 14, 2025. Inspectors remarked on the school’s emphasis on kindness and the positive impact it has on student engagement.
Secondary Schools and Further Education Challenges
The situation in secondary education appeared more complex. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy in Prescot received a “Requires Improvement” rating following a monitoring visit on September 15, 2025. The report highlighted challenges related to leadership transitions and staffing issues, which have caused disruption among both staff and students. The school aims to address these challenges with plans for a fully staffed team by September 2025.
In the realm of further education and training, Learnmore Skills Ltd was evaluated on June 4, 2025, also receiving a “Requires Improvement” rating. The inspection report indicated that apprentices faced significant disruptions due to changes in workplace coaching, which hampered their progress. Despite these challenges, many apprentices expressed resilience and a desire to complete their training to advance their careers.
Overall, the inspection reports from Ofsted underscore the importance of maintaining educational standards in Knowsley, highlighting successes and areas in need of improvement. The findings serve as a crucial resource for parents and stakeholders invested in the future of education in the region.
