Bulford St Leonard's C of E (VA) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Pupils typically achieve well at this inclusive school. They enjoy learning the different subjects that they study. For example, older pupils speak confidently about how to build suspense in their writing, and recall scientific knowledge about blood. However, children in the early years do not develop their knowledge and skills well enough. For example, they do not broaden their vocabulary as well as they could. Consequently, some children are not prepared well enough for key stage one. Leaders set an example by taking care of every child in the school as an individual. They seek to remove barriers to pupils' learning and wellbeing. For example, leaders quickly identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. Staff understand the barriers and challenges that some pupils face in their attendance. They provide the support pupils need. Many pupils come from military families. Staff get to know these pupils' needs and circumstances well. As a result, pupils feel a strong sense of belonging to the school. This helps pupils to feel safe. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils live up to these. They behave well around the school and in lessons. Bullying is not a feature of the school. Pupils demonstrate positive, respectful attitudes to each other. They celebrate the diversity in the school and wider community and are interested to learn about different religions. Pupils know the school's values, such as service, well. They relish the opportunity to nominate their peers for demonstrating these values. Pupils participate eagerly in raising money for charity. For example, for a local food bank and for national appeals to help other children. Pupils also learn about important global issues, such as plastic pollution in the oceans. They understand how they can make a difference as a positive member of the community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum in the early years precisely identifies and orders the knowledge and skills that children should be taught so that they are well prepared for their next stage of learning. • Leaders should ensure that there are consistently high-quality interactions between staff and children in the early years so that children acquire the language and vocabulary they need for future learning. • Leaders should ensure that assessment is used more effectively so that teaching consistently identifies the next steps in pupils' learning and informs the necessary changes to teaching to further support pupils to secure the knowledge and skills that they need.

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