Pilsley Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 February 2024

Pupils are happy at Pilsley Primary School. They start the day ready to learn and enjoy their lessons. They talk with enthusiasm about school life. Pupils flourish because they understand and meet the high expectations set by staff. Pupils say that they feel safe. They like the rewards they earn for doing their best. They enjoy making a positive contribution to the school, such as being playground mini leaders. Pupils are polite and respectful. They behave exceptionally well. They know that staff quickly sort out any problems and that bullying is not tolerated. Bullying rarely occurs. Pupils know that if they have concerns, staff are always available to talk to them. Pupils enjoy a wide range of experiences during their time at the school. They learn to play musical instruments, take part in woodland activities and learn to swim. They attend sports clubs and the cookery club. Pupils debate and consider different viewpoints. Visits to an outdoor activity centre, a train museum and residential visits have a lasting and positive impact on pupils. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent, typically commented: 'The genuine relationships between staff and pupils create a family atmosphere full of kindness.'

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, the work given to pupils does not help them to learn the intended curriculum. As a result, pupils do not always develop their knowledge in these subjects as well as they could. The school should ensure that the work teachers give to pupils is matched to the ambitious aims of the intended curriculum.
• Pupils do not have a secure understanding of British values, particularly democracy. As a result, they are not fully prepared for life in modern Britain. The school should make sure that all pupils gain deep knowledge of British values and their distinctive place in society.

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