Bowerham Primary & Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils at Bowerham Primary and Nursery School are part of a warm, caring community where they are known and valued by staff. Pupils take pride in being part of the ‘Bowerham family’. Children in the early years settle quickly into the nurturing environment, where they feel happy and safe. They build warm relationships with staff and their classmates. Pupils live up to the school’s values of respect, kindness and responsibility. They are enthusiastic about responsibilities such as being a member of the school council or an eco-councillor. Pupils enjoy the school’s outdoor spaces. These offer daily opportunities to play and explore together. There is a wide range of clubs and community events, for example boxing, skateboarding, mindfulness and the local ‘Bowerham Busk’. These experiences enrich and strengthen pupils’ sense of belonging. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those who face other barriers to learning, join in fully with all that the school has to offer. They do so with the support of staff who understand their needs and help them succeed. Pupils enjoy learning and speak enthusiastically about the rich curriculum that they are offered. Well-sequenced teaching builds their knowledge securely over time. This enables them to make positive progress through the curriculum and attain in line with national averages. Pupils develop confidence in reading, writing and mathematics. They relish opportunities to apply their learning through creative projects such as the ‘Where the Wildings Are’. Staff work closely with families and external agencies to reduce barriers for pupils. Pupils behave well, show self-discipline and manage their emotions effectively. They engage actively in learning and respond maturely to the school’s expectations of their behaviour. Pupils feel safe because staff act quickly when they are worried. For example, staff deal with rare incidents of bullying effectively. Pupils enjoy coming to school and attend regularly. They describe it as a place where they feel supported and encouraged. Pupils learn to be responsible citizens in modern Britain. They enjoy activities that promote teamwork and leadership, for example as playtime buddies or learning champions. These experiences help them thrive academically and personally.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should build on their work to secure consistency in pupils’ spelling and handwriting skills across the wider curriculum.

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