Bardwell Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 June 2026

Pupils live out the school’s ‘Bardwell Cogs’ each day. These focus on helping pupils develop the lifelong skills they need at primary school and beyond. Values such as being aspirational, reflective and courageous are evident across the school. Pupils, including children in the early years, benefit from this personalised approach. Pupils enjoy their learning and engage well in lessons. For example, when they share their ideas, they learn from each other. Pupils study a broad and well-sequenced curriculum. They build knowledge over time and recall previous learning. For example, pupils can confidently explain key events from the Second World War and explain scientific concepts, such as gravity and air resistance. Children in the early years develop secure phonics knowledge. They decode unfamiliar words and develop reading fluency. This prepares them well for key stage 1 and beyond. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, alongside those who are disadvantaged, are included well in daily school life. Staff understand pupils’ needs and provide support, such as visual resources or adapted tasks. Pupils benefit from various clubs, trips and activities. For example, pupils attend gardening and cooking clubs, where they develop their independence and teamwork. Relationships across the school are positive. Pupils work and play cooperatively across age groups. Behaviour is calm and purposeful. Pupils understand routines and meet staff's expectations. Bullying is rare. When concerns arise, staff act quickly to resolve them. Pupils are punctual and attend school regularly. Leaders challenge and support parents and carers appropriately. Pupils understand how to stay safe. They learn about online safety and risks in the community. They are keen to undertake leadership roles, such as school councillors and sports leaders. This helps them contribute positively to the school community and prepares them for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers check and revisit pupils’ prior learning systematically across the curriculum, particularly in the personal, social, health and economic programme, so pupils secure and retain key knowledge over time.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers identify and address gaps in pupils’ handwriting and spelling more precisely, so pupils develop secure and consistent core writing skills.
• Leaders should ensure that staff have the subject knowledge they need across all curriculum areas, so teaching consistently supports pupils to learn and build knowledge securely.

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