Bewcastle School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

Pupils are happy at Bewcastle School. They take great pleasure in playing in the school's beautiful grounds and appreciate the scenic location. Leaders' commitment to establish 'successful learning in a happy environment' has been realised. Pupils value the relationships that they have with each other and with staff. They are polite, well-mannered and respectful. Leaders have high expectations of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They have completed a significant overhaul of the curriculum to help pupils to achieve well. Pupils are curious, committed to their learning and try their best. Most pupils achieve well. Pupils benefit from the use of the school's swimming pool. Pupils, including children in the early years, have swimming lessons on site and learn how to keep themselves safe in the water. Recently, a number of former pupils came to talk to current pupils about their experiences at school in the past. Pupils also visited an archive centre to find out more about key events that have happened in the school over time. These experiences help pupils to feel rooted in their local area.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not ensured that staff are sufficiently supported to teach and adapt the subject curriculums for mixed-age classes as effectively as they should. This hinders some pupils from building their knowledge well over time. Leaders should ensure that staff receive further training and support to deliver the curriculum consistently well.
• In some subjects, leaders have not ensured that the work given to pupils enables them to develop secure knowledge in that subject. As a result, some pupils do not achieve as strongly as they should in these subjects. Leaders should ensure that teachers give pupils work that deepens their knowledge and better prepares them for new learning.

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