Lowca Community School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 May 2024

Pupils are happy at this small, welcoming school. They embrace the school's values of love, ownership, well-being, collaboration and attitudes to learning. Pupils value the positive relationships that they have with each other and with staff. Older pupils support younger children and are positive role models. They told inspectors that attending this school feels like being 'part of a family'. Pupils behave well. They are kind, caring and polite. The school has close links with the local community. For example, pupils help to keep the village clean and tidy. They organise events such as singing carols in a nearby care home for older people. Pupils have created booklets for local people and visitors that celebrate where they live. Additionally, pupils make a positive contribution in school. For example, pupils take on roles as team captains, school councillors and mental-health champions with pride and enthusiasm. These wide experiences help pupils to develop a sense of community, responsibility and empathy. The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement. It has raised the ambition of the curriculum and ensures that pupils benefit from a high quality of education. Pupils know what staff expect of them. They listen to their teachers, work hard and try their best. Most pupils achieve well.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, staff do not deliver the curriculum as effectively as they should. This includes selecting appropriate learning activities. As a result, some pupils do not develop the depth of knowledge that they need to be prepared for new learning. The school should ensure that teachers have the support that they need to deliver the curriculum consistently well so that pupils learn all that they should.

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