“New leaders, appointed since the previous inspection, know the school well and clearly understand its context. They have a clear direction and explain priorities so that staff understand the purpose behind each change. Staff work together to implement the changes and recognise that the school is improving as a result.” Ofsted, Feb 2026

At Waterside Academy, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, inspired and successful. We are a warm, inclusive and ambitious school where children are known as individuals and genuinely sit at the heart of the decisions we make.

Since becoming Headteacher in September 2024, I have been incredibly proud to work alongside our children, families and dedicated staff team as we continue to strengthen and develop our school. We have high expectations for what every child can achieve, alongside a strong commitment to ensuring that Waterside is a happy and supportive place where children can thrive.

Our Ofsted inspection in February 2026 recognised the positive culture across the school. Inspectors described Waterside as a “purposeful and respectful place” and highlighted the strong relationships between pupils and staff, noting that children know staff care about them and feel confident seeking support when they need it. Behaviour and attitudes were recognised as a Strong Standard, reflecting the kindness, consistency and high expectations that are part of everyday life at Waterside.

At the heart of our school are our five Golden Rules:

• We show respect
• We are kind
• We look after property
• We keep ourselves safe
• We try our hardest

These are much more than words displayed around the school. They shape the way our children learn, play and treat one another. We want every child to develop confidence, resilience and kindness, alongside a genuine love of learning and a belief in what they can achieve.

Learning at Waterside extends far beyond the classroom. Alongside strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics, we want children to discover new interests, develop their talents and experience things that broaden their horizons. Children enjoy opportunities through sport, music, science, creativity, outdoor learning, educational visits, residential experiences, clubs and leadership roles. Ofsted recognised that pupils benefit from a rich range of wider experiences and that these opportunities help to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world.
Our staff know our children extremely well and work hard to make sure every pupil receives the support, encouragement and challenge they need. We are proud to be an inclusive school and believe that every child should be able to participate fully in school life and experience success.

For children beginning their journey with us in Nursery or Reception, we provide a nurturing start where they can build confidence, independence and a love of learning. Ofsted highlighted how our early years environment encourages curiosity and purposeful play, alongside the importance we place on reading, communication and language from the very beginning.

We are equally delighted to welcome children joining us at other points in their primary years and work carefully with families to help every new pupil settle quickly, make friends and feel that they belong.

Choosing a school for your child is an important decision and a website can only tell you so much. The best way to understand Waterside is to experience it for yourself. We would be delighted to welcome you for a visit so that you can see our classrooms, meet our children and staff and get a feel for the friendly atmosphere of our school.

Thank you for taking the time to find out more about Waterside Academy. I hope our website gives you a sense of the pride we have in our school, the opportunities we provide and, most importantly, the ambitions we hold for every child.

We look forward to welcoming you to Waterside.

Mr Kevin Peart
Headteacher

Click here to arrange a visit