It is a pleasure to meet the happy and enthusiastic pupils at Marden Primary Academy. They reflect the school’s values of ‘ready, respect, safe’ in all that they do. Parents describe the school as having ‘a strong community feel, which is hugely inclusive’. Leaders have ensured that expectations for pupils to behave and work well are very high, including in the early years. Pupils treat each other with respect and kindness in all year groups and celebrate each other’s differences. As a result, bullying is extremely rare, and pupils have every confidence that staff will resolve it if it does happen. Pupils share warm and trusting relationships with staff, who model positive behaviours. Marden Primary Academy is a happy school where pupils immerse themselves in the life of the school and local community. For instance, they take part in the Easter bonnet parade and produce artwork for the ‘Poppy Walk’ to commemorate Remembrance Day. Pupils enjoy taking part in a vast range of clubs and trips to enrich their learning. For example, a visit to Ypres helped pupils in key stage 2 to develop their understanding of the First World War. Leaders are careful to ensure that those who would benefit most attend the clubs and enrichment activities that are on offer.