Oswaldtwistle St Andrew's Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Pupils develop a sense of belonging at this school in a range of different ways. One of these ways includes the opportunities to become a positive member of their school community. For example, the ‘St Andrew’s Asks’ group allows pupils to contribute their views on how aspects of school life could be even better. Recent leadership opportunities, such as through being a pupil wellbeing ambassador, help pupils to understand how they can support their peers. Pupils are kept safe and they trust that staff will help them with any worries they may have. Instances of bullying are very rare. On the occasions that it does occur, leaders deal with it quickly and effectively. Typically, behaviour in the playground and in classrooms is positive. Children in the Reception Year are supported well to quickly learn the importance of treating one another with kindness. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive the support they need to learn alongside their classmates. By the time they finish Year 6, too many pupils have not securely learned the important knowledge they need in reading, writing and mathematics. This hinders how well prepared they are for the next stage of their education. Some pupils’ learning is also negatively impacted by their persistent absence from school. In subjects in the wider curriculum, pupils do not learn as well as they could. At times, they experience learning activities that do not help them build securely on what they already know. Teachers do not routinely identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge in a timely manner.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that a high-quality curriculum and highly effective teaching are in place across the school. This is so pupils achieve well across the curriculum, including those achievements set out in published outcomes. • Leaders should ensure that their attendance strategy significantly reduces the number of pupils who are persistently absent from school. • Governors should ensure that they have the range and quality of information they need so that they can more effectively challenge and support school leaders in relation to school improvement priorities.

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