Carmountside Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

Leaders are passionate about creating a school where every pupil feels valued. Strong, trusting relationships help pupils feel safe and confident. Staff know the pupils well. This is because they take the time to understand them as individuals. This helps pupils feel supported and valued. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful. Staff greet pupils positively at the start of the day and pupils generally settle quickly into established routines. Leaders place pupils' personal development at the heart of the school's work. They go above and beyond to provide opportunities that will develop pupils' character and understanding of the world. Pupils value these opportunities. They speak enthusiastically about clubs, educational visits, ambassadorial roles, performances, sporting opportunities, environmental projects and leadership responsibilities. These experiences help broaden pupils’ horizons, raise aspirations and develop confidence. Pupils' attitudes to learning are generally positive. When within the community and visiting new places, pupils are noted for their excellent behaviour and courteous manner. Pupils enjoy lessons and speak positively about the wider curriculum. Older pupils, particularly in Year 6, demonstrate increasing confidence and resilience. Bullying is rare, but if it occurs, pupils know that staff will act quickly. Pupils consistently describe the school as a place where adults care about them, listen to them and help them to overcome difficulties. The school’s inclusive approach means that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged pupils and those supported by social care participate fully in school life. Leaders are determined that pupils access the same opportunities and experiences, regardless of their starting points or barriers. Over time, the curriculum and teaching have been less than secure. This has meant that some pupils have not learned as well as they should and have not achieved the outcomes they were capable of. Leaders know this and have taken effective action to improve the curriculum.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure staff consistently check learning to spot mistakes and misconceptions quickly, helping pupils correct these accurately and build secure, foundational understanding.
• Leaders should ensure that the intended early years curriculum is delivered consistently well across all the provision, and that staff are supported to do so.
• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is of consistently high quality across subjects and year groups so to improve pupils’ achievement.

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