Bacup Thorn Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 November 2023

Pupils, including children in the early years, thrive at this happy and welcoming school. There is a shared sense of community between staff, pupils, and their parents and carers. Pupils are taught how to recognise and manage their own emotions, which helps them to behave well. Pupils take on a range of leadership roles to support each other. For example, well-being warriors help any pupils who are struggling emotionally by engaging them in activities such as mindful colouring. Teachers encourage pupils to have high aspirations for their own achievement. They support and inspire pupils to work hard. Typically, pupils achieve well. The school makes sure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the additional help they need to participate in all aspects of school life. Pupils benefit from a well-considered personal development offer that broadens their horizons. For instance, staff organise careers conventions where pupils interview representatives from a broad range of professions. Pupils enjoy a vast array of trips. These enhance their learning and develop their independence. The school provides a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, including computing, choir and street-dance club. These activities encourage pupils to explore their talents and interests. Pupils were proud of the array of sporting successes that teams from the school have achieved.

What the school should improve

• In one or two subjects, staff do not identify where some pupils have forgotten their prior learning quickly enough. From time to time, the gaps in these pupils' knowledge hinder them from deepening their understanding in these subjects. The school should ensure that pupils are well supported through strategies to help them to remember their learning over time.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)