Boroughbridge Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 April 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to Boroughbridge Primary School. They describe it as a happy, kind and safe place to learn. Pupils feel safe. They say that bullying does not occur. They attend school regularly and show positive attitudes to learning. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. The school’s values of kindness, positivity and honesty are evident in daily school life. Pupils generally achieve well. They enjoy learning and engage positively in lessons. Over time, outcomes in a number of national assessments have not been as strong as they should be. Leaders have acted decisively to strengthen the curriculum and secure improvement. They have ensured that pupils learn the right knowledge in a clear order, which helps them build strong skills in reading, writing and maths. Pupils’ work and discussions about learning show that this work is beginning to have a positive impact. However, these improvements are not yet consistently reflected in the outcomes pupils achieve. Leaders continue to prioritise this work to support pupils to be well prepared for their next steps. Effective support for vulnerable pupils effectively reduces barriers to learning and wellbeing. These pupils are now starting to make appropriate progress from their starting points. Pupils have a strong sense of belonging. The school is inclusive and ensures equality of opportunity for all. Leaders remove barriers to ensure that all pupils are included in each aspect of school life. Staff work closely with families to support pupils’ wellbeing and to help parents support learning at home. Pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities. These include visits to a local Roman site and museums and purposeful and inspiring outdoor learning in the school’s woodland area. Pupils thrive in this nurturing environment. Behaviour is positive across the school. Classrooms are calm and purposeful. Pupils say staff resolve concerns quickly, which helps them feel confident in building relationships and supports them to be ready to learn.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teaching gives pupils enough time and practice to secure foundational knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics before introducing new and more complex content.
• Leaders should ensure that the improvement in outcomes for all pupils continues so that pupils are well prepared for their next steps and leave each stage of their educational journey with secure knowledge and skills.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values, protected characteristics and cultural diversity in modern Britain is deep and secure so that they are well prepared for life beyond school.

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