Bidston Village CofE (Controlled) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to this friendly school, where warm and respectful relationships help them feel safe and valued. They say that everyone is welcome. Pupils trust adults to support them with their learning and wellbeing, which helps them feel that they belong. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those in the specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, take part fully in school life. Staff know their needs well. Leaders have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. They act quickly when pupils face difficulties or barriers. Even so, pupils' achievement over time has not been secure enough. The recently introduced curriculum is helping pupils to gain the knowledge they need, and this is beginning to make a difference. Older pupils, who did not benefit from this curriculum earlier on in their schooling, still have gaps in their basic skills, and this slows their progress. Most pupils behave well. Classrooms are calm and pupils are generally keen to learn. When pupils struggle to manage their emotions, staff support them to make positive choices. Pupils say that bullying is dealt with quickly and effectively. Pupils understand how to keep themselves safe in school and in the community. They are generally kind and considerate towards each other. Too many pupils do not attend school often enough. Pastoral staff work closely with families to reduce the barriers that some pupils face, and this is helping attendance to improve for some. However, a significant number of pupils continue to miss too much school, which affects their learning. Pupils enjoy the opportunities the school provides beyond the classroom. Educational visits, visitors and residential experiences broaden their understanding of the wider world. Pupils take part in a wide range of clubs, such as baking, boxing and Makaton, which help them develop resilience and explore new interests.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to strengthen pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics by addressing gaps in foundational knowledge so that all pupils secure the skills they need to achieve well.
• Leaders should refine the curriculum so that it more closely matches pupils' needs and supports sustained gains in their achievement.
• Leaders should continue to focus on pupils' attendance so that more pupils attend routinely and persistent absence reduces.

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