Firle Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 July 2025

Pupils are very happy at Firle Church of England Primary School. They make friends within their class and across the school. Older pupils are proud to 'buddy' younger pupils in Reception. There is a strong culture of nurture and care across the school. Pupils feel strongly that they are known individually by staff. Their individual talents and interests are recognised and carefully cultivated. This helps pupils develop a strong sense of confidence in themselves. They enjoy regular opportunities to perform. For example, pupils were excitedly preparing for an end year production of 'Oliver Twist'. The school have made improvements to the quality of education since the last inspection. However, too many pupils still do not achieve well enough academically. The school has not ensured that staff are expert in teaching early reading. Provision for children in Reception has been strengthened this year, but further improvements are needed to ensure children get off to the best start in their education. Pupils behave extremely well. They are polite and engaged. When pupils need additional support to manage their behaviour, the school provides this very effectively. The school is inclusive and welcoming of pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

What the school should improve

• The teaching of early reading and phonics is not consistently accurate or effective. As a result, some pupils develop misconceptions, do not read frequently enough, and fall behind. The school should ensure that early reading is taught with expertise and that the phonics programme is delivered consistently and as intended, so that pupils learn to read confidently and securely.
• The school's approach to teaching writing does not ensure that pupils secure key foundational skills, such as handwriting and sentence formation. As a result, some pupils do not develop the skills they need to write with fluency and accuracy. The school should ensure staff have the expertise to teach early writing effectively and introduce a clear, sequential approach to handwriting and sentence construction.
• The school does not maintain sharp enough oversight of the quality of education that pupils receive. It has not identified or addressed weaknesses in expertise and subject knowledge across key areas of the curriculum. The school should strengthen its oversight to ensure weaknesses are promptly identified and addressed, so that pupils' learning is secured and deepened.

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