Bishop Lonsdale Church of England Primary School and Nursery

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils feel valued and develop a sense of belonging at this positive and supportive school. Staff know pupils and their families well. Pupils are safe and well cared for. They appreciate the celebration activities that are embedded in school life and linked to the school's Christian ethos. Most pupils meet the school's high expectations of their behaviour. The school has a calm and positive environment, where pupils are able to learn. Pupils typically achieve well. They enjoy their learning and are proud to share their work with adults. Teaching helps pupils to develop the basic skills that they need for success, particularly in reading. Most pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their learning. All pupils are supported to take part in all aspects of school life. This includes joining collective reflection activities at the start of the school day. Pupils demonstrate respect for others and understand the importance of equality. As a result, bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that staff, or pupil leaders, will help them resolve any concerns they have. Wellbeing support is a priority. It is at the heart of pupils’ daily experiences. Staff help pupils to manage their emotions well, settle quickly and be ready to learn. They provide individual support for pupils, who require more help to engage positively in school life. Pupils benefit from a range of activities that develop their interests and talents, including opportunities to take part in activities with external organisations. These opportunities enable pupils to access experiences that they may not otherwise encounter. Pupils are proud of the leadership roles they have at school. Through these roles, pupils develop their confidence and sense of responsibility.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to support teachers to use adaptive strategies, so that support is well matched to pupils’ needs to enable their progress.
• Leaders should ensure that staff deliver the curriculum consistently well and that they swiftly identify and address gaps in pupils' learning.
• Leaders should further embed the whole-school approach to writing, so that pupils develop the skills they need to achieve a higher standard in their written work.

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