Horsley CofE (Controlled) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere at this small and friendly school. Pupils receive a high level of care. They have trusted adults in school who they can talk to if they have a worry. Pupils understand the school rules of 'safe, ready, respectful'. Many pupils behave very well. They strive to earn rewards for modelling the school's values, which include being 'happy, motivated and keen to question'. The school is determined that its pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), will achieve well. It has developed a coherent curriculum. However, the implementation of the curriculum is inconsistent. The school's checks on pupils' learning are not securely in place. This means that the school does not know how well pupils learn and achieve in some subjects. Pupils have ample opportunities to develop their talents and interests. Comic club and sporting competitions are particular favourites. Residential visits help pupils to develop their resilience and confidence. Pupils love to receive 'heroes and marvels' awards for demonstrating their citizenship skills. Parents and carers appreciate the work of the school. They value the nurture and support given to their children. There is a real 'family feel' at this school.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the school's checks on the impact of the curriculum and what pupils remember are at a very early stage. This means that there is not a secure understanding of how effectively the curriculum is impacting on pupils' learning. The school should continue to develop the checks it uses to fully understand what knowledge pupils have secured, so that staff can build on this as effectively as possible.
• In some subjects, the activities that pupils undertake do not support them to achieve the intended goals of the curriculum. In these subjects, pupils do not build a sufficient depth of knowledge. The school should ensure that staff make suitable pedagogical choices so that the intended curriculum is delivered as planned and pupils achieve as well as they could.
• Pupils' knowledge and understanding of the fundamental British values, including a range of faiths and cultures, is not secure. They are not as well prepared for life beyond the local community as they should be. The school should ensure that pupils' knowledge and understanding of British values is embedded fully so that pupils are prepared well for life in modern Britain.

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