St Oswald's CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

Pupils are proud to belong to this welcoming school. They build warm relationships with staff and each other and feel the care that is evident. These mutual relationships help pupils feel safe in school. New pupils settle quickly because staff make sure that they feel included from the moment they arrive. The buddy system helps pupils form friendships and become part of school life with confidence. Pupils understand the school’s expectations and rise to them well. They treat others with kindness and respect and have a secure understanding of right and wrong. Pupils behave positively throughout the day, including at social times. They move around the school sensibly, follow routines well and show consideration for others. Older pupils readily take responsibility and enjoy contributing to school life and the wider community. Pupils enjoy learning. They engage well in lessons because teachers know them well and provide the support they need to succeed. Pupils work hard and want to do their best. Those who need additional help receive it quickly and sensitively. As a result, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils participate fully in school life and learning. Pupils value the many opportunities available to them beyond the classroom. Clubs, trips, music tuition and leadership roles help pupils discover new interests and develop their talents. Many pupils also contribute to charitable and community activities, helping them understand the importance of supporting others. Pupils say that bullying is rare. Any concerns are addressed quickly and fairly. Pupils know who to speak to if they are worried. They are confident that staff will help them. Pupils achieve well across the curriculum. Children make a particularly positive start in the early years and build strong foundations for future learning. By the time pupils leave the school, they are very well prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should ensure that expectations for handwriting are implemented consistently across the school so that presentation is of an equally high standard across the school.
• Leaders and those responsible for governance should ensure that curriculum implementation remains consistently strong across all subjects and classes.
• Leaders and those responsible for governance should ensure that effective attendance strategies continue to reduce persistent absence and improve attendance further for those pupils who miss school most often.

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