St Michael at Bowes CofE Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

Pupils are friendly and kind. Pupils who are new to the school are welcomed and helped to settle in quickly. Leaders have high expectations for pupils to learn a broad range of subjects and gain a wide variety of educational experiences. Pupils achieve well. Leaders provide pupils with a wealth of opportunities to take on responsibilities that have a positive impact on the school. Members of the school council assisted leaders to select new playground equipment and help to organise its use. The eco team take action to improve the environment, including helping tend the community garden. Reading buddies in Year 6 share enjoyment of reading with younger pupils. Staff promote pupils' emotional well-being. Pupils are encouraged to share any worries during 'A-little-bit-of-me time' sessions in class, or to place messages in a worry box if they would like an adult's help. Staff deal effectively with any rare instances of poor behaviour. Pupils are safe in school. Leaders organise special events including visits to museums and galleries and a trip to the seaside, to extend pupils' learning. Pupils are made aware in different subjects that what they learn is relevant for a range of careers. For example, a former pupil talked to Year 6 pupils about how to become a botanist.

What the school should improve

• On a few occasions, the delivery of the curriculum does not ensure that pupils learn precisely the key facts that leaders expect them to know and remember over time. When this occurs, pupils are not helped to build on their prior learning as swiftly as leaders intend. The school should continue its work to ensure that the implementation of the curriculum enables pupils to gain the knowledge of key facts they need for their future learning.

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