Holmeswood Methodist School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 April 2026

Leaders’ school vision, to 'do all the good you can by all the means you can’, inspires adults and pupils alike. Pupils treat each other with care and respect. They benefit from rich experiences that leaders plan carefully. This is a small school with a big offer for pupils. Pupils flourish with a wide range of visits and clubs that bring the curriculum to life. Pupils are very happy in this school and attend well. Pupils achieve well in most subjects, for instance in mathematics and reading. Leaders have established a well-considered curriculum for pupils to study. Writing is less well developed than other areas. Pupils have gaps in their basic knowledge. These gaps are not closing as rapidly as they could. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive support that its tailored for them. This helps them to access the same learning as their peers where appropriate. Pupils with SEND achieve well across the curriculum but have the same gaps as their peers in writing. Pupils behave well. Adults typically apply expectations about pupils’ behaviour consistently. Pupils know what is expected of them and rise to this. Bullying is very rare. A large number of pupils join the school later in their primary education. They are warmly welcomed into school. If pupils face challenges in their lives, they receive very effective support for their wellbeing. Adults shape support for them that helps pupils know that they are safe. All pupils benefit from a caring culture that helps them to know that they belong. Pupils contribute positively to their school. Older pupils help with the day-to-day running of the school. For instance, some make sure books are organised. Others help with games at play times. All act as buddies for younger pupils. Older pupils see it as their responsibility to be role models for younger pupils. They do this very well.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff are supported to accurately identify gaps in pupils’ writing knowledge, particularly for pupils who join the school at a later point in their schooling, so that precise action is taken to close these gaps swiftly.
• Leaders should continue to prioritise high-quality teaching across the curriculum so that pupils readily remember more of the important knowledge that they are taught.

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