BISHOP Road Primary School has retained its Outstanding rating from Ofsted after its first inspection in more than 12 years.
This is a rare achievement; schools with the top grade were exempt from inspection until 2020 and many did not reach the standard when reinspected under the new framework.
A team of four inspectors visited the 817-pupil school in November and judged it to be Outstanding in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
Their report said: Bishop Road Primary is a school where pupils flourish. The quality of education pupils receive is exceptional. Pupils love to learn.”
Ofsted praised children’s behaviour as exemplary. ”Pupils consistently meet the high expectations adults have of them. Pupils move safely and sensibly around the school. The school is a calm and purposeful place to learn.”
Inspectors were also impressed with the “supportive and caring” attitudes. ‘They said pupils were fully inclusive of one another, celebrated difference and were highly tolerant of those with different needs.
Ofsted said the school was “aspirational for every pupil”.
“It has crafted a curriculum that is exceptionally well designed. The school leaves nothing to chance.
“Reading is the highest priority for the school. All pupils read and listen to a wide range of high-quality texts, including picture books.
“The mathematics curriculum is equally ambitious.
“Foundation subjects are given as much priority as English and mathematics. This means that pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum over time.”
“The school is very inclusive and supports pupils with SEND extremely well. Pupils with complex medical needs are supported extremely well. Adults ensure that pupils develop resilience and independence.
“The school prioritises the wider development of pupils. There is a strong determination to provide a broad range of rich experiences that are carefully designed with a clear purpose.
In a letter to families, headteacher Gillian Powe said: “I am delighted with their evaluation of our school as outstanding. It is important for all our community, staff and pupils. Everyone has worked so hard to make this school a special place where children and adults can share the unity of learning and growing together.
“The inspection process was rigorous, far reaching and fair and we took the welcome opportunity to explain our ethos and principles. The overwhelming nature of staff positivity, children’s openness and involvement both proved to be key factors.
“The inspection of our school has been positive, although we are aware that this is not the experience for all settings.
“The atmosphere at Bishop Road is one of pleasure and celebration.”