Cragside CofE Controlled Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 June 2026

Pupils are welcomed into this caring school community. They are polite and make a positive contribution to life through their leadership roles. Pupils learn about a diverse range of world faiths and differences. This helps pupils to understand important values such as fairness and respect. Pupils develop warm and respectful relationships with adults and other pupils as they progress through school. Incidents of bullying are rare. Pupils trust staff to help them to deal quickly with any concerns they may have. Consequently, pupils feel safe and well cared for. They enjoy school and attend regularly. Children in the early years make a secure and happy start to their life in school. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and those who are disadvantaged, are supported by adults who know them well. This helps pupils to engage fully in learning and benefit from the school’s wider offer. Pupils generally behave well in lessons and around the school. Staff understand the barriers and challenges that some pupils face in their learning. They typically provide the support which pupils need to succeed. On the whole, pupils enjoy learning and achieve well, particularly in reading and writing. Most pupils leave school well prepared for the next stage of their education. Leaders plan exciting experiences for pupils to gain an understanding of the world. For example, pupils benefit from partnerships with schools in Rwanda and China. This encourages positive relationships and an understanding of life beyond their school. Pupils also develop their sense of responsibility through leadership roles. They take part in a wide range of clubs and residential trips that build their independence and confidence. Pupils, including those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged, are well supported to benefit from these opportunities. Consequently, pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and governors should strengthen their oversight of key systems and records so that they can accurately identify any areas of weakness. This includes ensuring that systems and processes for reporting and recording concerns are effectively and continually reviewed.
• Leaders should ensure that recent changes to the curriculum are embedded, and highly effective teaching is consistently established across all subjects and year groups to ensure that more pupils achieve highly.

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