Bassenthwaite Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Pupils are proud to belong to this small, friendly school where 'big opportunities' are part of everyday life. They arrive each morning to warm greetings from staff who know them well. This helps pupils feel settled, safe and ready to learn. Children in the early years enjoy their time in school, playing and learning with others. They quickly learn routines and explore the indoor and outdoor areas with confidence. Pupils enjoy their learning and talk enthusiastically about the subjects they study. They say that teachers help them understand new ideas. Those pupils who find learning more difficult receive thoughtful support. This helps them to take part in lessons and make progress. Pupils enjoy the chance to apply their learning in real-life contexts, such as financial literacy projects and outdoor learning activities. Pupils feel a close connection to their school and community. They describe the school as a place where everyone is included and treated kindly. Mixed-age friendships are common, and pupils play happily together at social times. They enjoy the wide range of opportunities available to them. Older pupils speak with excitement about residential visits, national singing competitions and drama performances that enhance the curriculum. Pupils value the chance to contribute to the school community. Many talk proudly about the impact of fundraising for local charities. Others share pride in their efforts in litter picking and shrub planting within their local rural community. Through roles as school councillors, pupils work with leaders to set out wider enrichment opportunities. Pupils behave well and understand the routines that help the school run smoothly. Incidents of poor behaviour are rare, and staff deal with them quickly and fairly. Pupils feel safe and can explain how to stay safe online and within their locality. Pupils understand why coming to school every day matters. By the time they leave, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that pupils have regular, well-matched opportunities to practise handwriting so that errors reduce and pupils write with greater accuracy.
• Leaders should complete their curriculum refinements, ensuring that the knowledge different year groups need to learn and remember is clearly defined across the curriculum.

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