Breage CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils enjoy attending this friendly village school. They are keen to do their best. They proudly represent their school and take their leadership responsibilities seriously. All ages play and learn together cooperatively. Older pupils act as positive role models for younger children. Pupils’ wellbeing is an important part of the school’s work. Leaders ensure that pupils feel happy and safe. At the gate each morning, staff check how pupils are feeling. Their attendance is now improving rapidly. Leaders promote positive behaviour and rarely need to remind pupils to behave well. In classes, pupils engage readily and respond positively to adults, especially when teaching is clear and structured. Staff help most pupils to complete tasks successfully. Younger pupils gain a secure start in phonics and early mathematics through structured approaches and the use of practical resources. However, not all pupils experience consistently effective teaching. In some cases, teachers do not make expectations clear enough or check understanding effectively. As a result, some pupils feel unsure about what to do next or do not deepen their thinking. Teachers' checks on pupils’ learning are not consistently used to address misconceptions effectively. This means misunderstandings can continue. This affects older pupils’ achievement most, who do not always build confidence in applying their knowledge, especially when writing across the curriculum. Most pupils remember the taught curriculum content. However, others have gaps in their understanding of numbers or spelling, handwriting and grammar knowledge. Parents and carers and pupils recognise current leaders’ efforts to improve the school further. They welcome the opportunities provided for memorable experiences, including events at St Breaca, the local church, or further afield to London. Many pupils take part enthusiastically in the activities on offer. All contribute to the village and community celebrations or events.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should raise pupils' achievement further, so that their knowledge and skills are equally secure across all subjects and they apply their writing knowledge to produce consistently high-quality written work across the curriculum.
• Leaders should make sure that all staff raise their expectations and develop the expertise needed to deliver the curriculum consistently so that pupils achieve well, particularly in writing and mathematics across year groups.
• Those responsible for governance and senior leaders of the trust should challenge and support school leaders more effectively in securing improvements.

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