Banks Methodist School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Pupils are keen to learn and enjoy coming to school. However, attendance is not high enough for all pupils. Some pupils miss school too often and do not benefit fully from lessons or wider activities. This affects how well some pupils engage with learning over time. From the early years, pupils’ experience of learning is uneven. Teaching is not sufficiently effective in helping pupils to remember what they have learned previously in the curriculum, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics. This means that some pupils find it hard to build new learning securely. As a result, pupils’ day-to-day experience of learning is not consistently positive. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are not supported as well as they should be in lessons. Staff do not ensure that inclusive strategies are implemented effectively to help pupils with SEND develop independence and access the curriculum alongside their peers. Staff know pupils well. It is a small school with a big heart. Staff greet pupils warmly and help them to feel safe and settled. Clear routines support a calm start to the day. Pupils are confident about who to go to if they need help. This helps them to feel secure, particularly those who may find school more challenging. Pupils are cared for and valued as individuals. Their behaviour around the school is typically calm and orderly. Pupils respond well to clear expectations and adult guidance. Relationships are respectful and pupils treat one another with kindness. When concerns such as bullying arise, staff respond appropriately. This supports a settled atmosphere for learning. Pupils take part in wider experiences that broaden their understanding of the world. Leaders use the school minibus so pupils can take part in visits beyond the local area. Pupils participate in eco-projects, including visiting a recycling centre, and represent the school in sporting events, such as football competitions. Visits from the local police help pupils to understand the rule of law. These experiences help pupils develop confidence, responsibility and awareness of life beyond the classroom.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teaching in reading, writing and mathematics is high quality, helps all pupils to remember important knowledge and skills effectively and supports them to achieve well. • Leaders should support staff to implement effective strategies to promote an inclusive culture so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils can access the curriculum effectively. • Leaders should strengthen attendance procedures to ensure that pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils, attend school regularly. • Leaders should ensure that the curriculum and wider enrichment opportunities support pupils' personal development and wellbeing effectively so that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. • Governors should improve their strategic oversight of the school to ensure that leaders' actions to improve the school, including professional development of staff, are precisely measured, timely and lead to necessary improvements.

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