Durham Gilesgate Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 May 2023

Durham Gilesgate is a welcoming, inclusive school. There is a sense of calm and purpose from the moment pupils begin their school day, whether they begin in breakfast club or with friends on the school yard. This continues in the classrooms, corridors and communal spaces throughout the school day. Pupils are happy here, and staff do all they can to meet their differing needs. Leaders are committed to curriculum development. The have developed a curriculum which is ambitious for all pupils. Pupils talk maturely and knowledgeably about recent lessons and some things that they have studied in the past. Leaders have made strategic decisions to support pupils to catch up on any learning they may have missed during the pandemic. However, the way the curriculum is organised in key stage two is complex, leading to pupils being at risk of missing out on some aspects of learning. Pupils enjoy varied opportunities, such as a stargazing project, French club, and regular use of the school allotment. They particularly enjoy physical educationactivities, such as yoga classes and the recent 'colour run'. They learn about well-being and mental health through their personal, social and health education curriculum. This supports strong relationships between the pupils as well as with pupils and adults. Pupils feel safe at school. When pupils fall out, it is dealt with quickly by staff. Pupils understand how to be a good friend. They can talk about the friendships they have developed over time. Pupils are proud of the caring welcome that new pupils starting their school receive.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not routinely check what pupils have learned in all subjects. This means that missed learning or misconceptions that pupils may have are not always identified. Leaders should use purposeful assessment to support pupils to achieve ambitious end points.
• In some subjects, pupils in the same year group access different aspects of learning depending on the class they are in. Leaders have not checked that this approach allows all pupils to access all parts of the school's curriculum. Leaders should ensure that pupils receive a consistent and equal curriculum offer in every subject, so that they are well prepared for the next stage in their educational journey.

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