Bishop Gilpin CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils receive an exceptional education at Bishop Gilpin. It is a school that prioritises the development of the whole child.

This is a joyful place to be, and pupils are happy here. There is a focus on cultural development, understanding the world around us and acceptance of others. This begins in early years and continues throughout the school, valued and championed by all and seen in every aspect of the school day.

Pupils feel safe and are kept safe because there are systems in place to support them if any problems should arise. Pupils understand the different ways they can raise concerns and seek support. For example, pupils use the 'I wish my teacher knew' boxes ...to share any worries they might have.

Pupils behave well in lessons and during break and lunchtimes.

Staff expect all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to do well. Pupils thrive on this challenge.

They enjoy learning and try hard in lessons. There is a culture of academic excellence, in which pupils achieve highly and are subsequently well prepared for moving to secondary school.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

In each subject, leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that develops pupils' knowledge and skills.

They have identified and sequenced the important ideas pupils should learn and have made meaningful links between subjects. This begins in early years where the curriculum develops from children's starting points and builds a secure foundation in each area of learning. As a result, pupils are well placed, over time, to tackle increasingly complex concepts.

For example, in science, children in early years learn about gardening and growing seeds. Older pupils draw on this knowledge when learning about the complexities of pollination.

There is a sharp focus on ongoing professional development.

As a result, teachers' subject expertise is excellent. They explain ideas with clarity and precision. Assessment is used well to identify and correct any misconceptions or errors.

Consequently, pupils develop a deep body of knowledge and understanding across the curriculum and achieve highly, including in national assessments. Pupils with SEND are swiftly identified. They receive bespoke support from expert staff.

This helps pupils to build increasing independence and access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, wherever this is possible.

Pupils learn phonics quickly. This is because teachers are well trained to implement the school's chosen programme.

Assessment is used effectively to check pupils' reading. Extra help is provided for those who struggle. This helps to ensure these pupils catch up quickly.

Pupils practise reading books which are closely matched to the stage they are at. Pupils develop as accurate, fluent and confident readers who are well placed to access more complex reading across the curriculum.

Pupils' behaviour is exceptional; they are kind and courteous and want to learn and succeed.

These routine and commonplace behaviours begin in early years, where the school has created a happy, safe and joyful environment. Here, children begin to learn turn taking, empathy and kindness, attributes which are built upon as they move through the school.

Attendance is carefully tracked and monitored.

Leaders work closely with families and other agencies to ensure pupils are well supported to attend school regularly. This has resulted in improved rates of attendance.

The school places a strong focus on pupils' personal development.

For example, pupils are taught about the importance of respecting and valuing different faiths and cultures. Leaders have designed their own Relationships, Health and Character Development programme in which pupils learn what it means to be good citizens and understand the world around them.

There are a vast number of additional activities available for pupils to extend their learning experience, talents and interests.

Leaders have ensured there is an emphasis on inclusion so that these opportunities are for everyone in the school community. Pupils are helped to develop as young leaders and readily take on these responsibilities. Pupils are the taught the importance of being caring, kind, compassionate young people with a drive to support the school and wider local community.

The school has forged strong and positive partnerships with parents and carers, who are fulsome in their praise of the school. Leaders, including those responsible for governance, are rightly proud of school's many strengths. Even so, they are not complacent and are focused in their ambition and determination to continue to improve.

Leaders have created an environment where staff are happy in their work and feel able to raise any concerns that may arise. Leaders act decisively on any such feedback and ensure that workload is well managed and staff well-being a priority.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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