Goldsmith Primary Academy achieves three ‘Exceptional’ ratings under the new Ofsted framework
26th January 2026
We are thrilled to share some incredible news for Goldsmith Primary Academy and the entire Windsor Academy Trust family.
Goldsmith Primary Academy has been recognised as one of only two primary schools in the country* to be awarded three ‘Exceptional’ grades under Ofsted’s rigorous new inspection framework.
Leading the Way
In a bold move that highlights our commitment to system leadership, Goldsmith volunteered to be part of the initial wave of inspections under Ofsted’s new ‘School Report Card’ inspections. Stepping away from the old single-word judgements, this new framework raises the bar significantly. It offers a nuanced and demanding assessment where the ‘Expected Standard’ represents a high benchmark of quality.
Against this backdrop, Goldsmith’s results are truly remarkable. The report confirms that the school is not just meeting expectations but exceeding them at the highest level in all areas.
Inspection Highlights
The School Report Card awarded Goldsmith Primary Academy the highest possible grade of Exceptional in three key areas:
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Inclusion
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Leadership and Governance
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Personal Development and Wellbeing
In addition, the school achieved the Strong Standard, a grade indicating practice well above the expected benchmark, in all other areas: Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, and Early Years.
Under the new framework, safeguarding is judged separately on a strict binary scale, either ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’, to provide immediate and absolute clarity on safety. The report confirms that Safeguarding Standards are Met, offering vital reassurance that the school’s systems to keep children safe are robust, effective, and deeply embedded in the school culture.
"An Oasis of Calm and Kindness"
Inspectors praised the school as an “oasis of calm and kindness” where pupils are “extremely proud of their school.” The report highlighted that:
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“Leaders have an unwavering determination to give every pupil the best possible start in life.”
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“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development is of the highest quality.”
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“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary… they are kind, empathetic and polite.”
Celebrating Success
Max Wakeman, Headteacher at Goldsmith Primary Academy, said:
“We put ourselves forward for this voluntary inspection because we are incredibly proud of our school community and confident in the exceptional education we provide every day. To be one of only two primary schools in the country to receive three ‘Exceptional’ grades is a humbling and momentous achievement.
“This report captures the heart of Goldsmith. It recognises that we don’t just teach children; we nurture them, we include them, and we empower them to become the very best versions of themselves. I want to thank our amazing staff, our supportive parents, and above all, our wonderful pupils who shine so brightly.”
Leanne Bridgwood, Director of Primary at Windsor Academy Trust, commented:
“Goldsmith Primary Academy is a shining example of what is possible when high expectations are matched with deep care. Achieving ‘Exceptional’ for Inclusion and Personal Development speaks volumes about the culture the team has built. It is a school where every child, regardless of starting point, is championed to succeed. We are thrilled that the voluntary inspection has validated the world-class work happening in these classrooms every day.”
Dawn Haywood, CEO of Windsor Academy Trust, added:
“This is a landmark moment not just for Goldsmith Primary Academy, but for the entire Windsor Academy Trust family. To volunteer for such a rigorous new framework and achieve these results is a testament to the bravery, expertise, and ‘pride in excellence’ that defines our approach.
“Achieving ‘Exceptional’ in Inclusion, Leadership, and Personal Development demonstrates that our strategy to unlock both academic and personal potential is working. We are delivering education for the greater public good, and Goldsmith is leading the way nationally.”
Thank you to our entire school community for your continued support. This achievement belongs to all of us.
Read the full report here.
*At the time of writing 26/01/26