Bolton by Bowland Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

Nestled in the countryside, Bolton by Bowland school offers a picturesque setting where pupils thrive. Pupils are warmly welcomed through the gate each morning by staff who know them extremely well. Staff ensure that pupils feel valued, safe and well cared for. Parents and carers value this small school’s warm, family atmosphere and the positive communication they enjoy with staff. Pupils develop a deep sense of belonging and attend school well. They make the most of their school grounds, embracing being in the fresh air in the newly designed outdoor learning areas. Pupils mix happily across age groups, with older children supporting younger ones. They show kindness and a sense of responsibility. Pupils embody the school's motto to 'Belong, Believe and Blossom'. They value the friendships they form. Pupils know that if they have a concern they can’t resolve, staff will help. As a result, incidents of poor behaviour or bullying are extremely rare and dealt with swiftly. Staff have high expectations of pupils’ achievement. Leaders’ work on redesigning the curriculum ensures that the wide age range within each class is well considered. Pupils, including those who face barriers to their learning, consistently achieve well. Whatever their starting point, they make suitable progress as they move through the curriculum. Overall, pupils complete each stage of learning ready to move on confidently to their next. The community’s strong farming roots shine through in pupils' play, conversations and discussions about future farming careers. Pupils confidently discuss national and global issues such as equality and discrimination, using their recent work on Harvey Milk and the pride flag to demonstrate their understanding. Pupils can explain fundamental British values and give real-life examples, such as voting for which sport to play. They are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff’s checks on learning are further developed to identify and address pupils’ misconceptions in a timely manner and ensure that they are not repeated.
• Leaders should support teachers to make highly-effective choices when teaching writing and spelling so that pupils apply their skills more consistently.

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