The Gainsborough Parish Church Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Pupils are welcomed, included and cared for at Parish Church Primary School. At the start of each school day, staff greet pupils with warm smiles. Pupils enter a calm, nurturing and friendly environment, where they feel that they belong and are safe. They love their school and understand why it is important to attend regularly. Most pupils' attendance is improving. Disadvantaged pupils, those known to social care and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities learn successfully alongside their peers. Pupils enjoy their learning and generally try hard in lessons. However, their achievement in reading, writing and mathematics has been inconsistent over time. In some areas, such as early reading, there has been evident progress. However, this is not consistent and there is further work to do to improve outcomes at the end of key stage 2. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Staff build effective, trusting relationships with pupils and their families. This creates a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Pupils are confident that they can share any worries they may have with trusted adults who will listen and help them. Staff have high expectations of behaviour. Pupils respond well to the consistent approach. They are friendly and polite. Pupils consider incidents of bullying to be rare. When it does happen, teachers help them. Children settle quickly into school routines when they join the early years. They support each other, for example when reading, and talk about their learning. Pupils play and socialise well together during social times across the different year groups. They enjoy taking risks with the climbing equipment, waiting their turn and supporting one another. Pupils participate in extra-curricular clubs, including rugby, choir and construction. They are proud of their school and value being part of the school community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the well-designed curriculum is taught consistently well in all subjects and year groups, so that pupils secure the knowledge and skills they need for their next steps.
• Leaders should continue their work to improve pupils' achievement, across all areas of learning, and build on the improvements already made, so that pupils build the depth of knowledge they need.
• Leaders should further strengthen their work to improve attendance, with a particular focus on disadvantaged pupils, to ensure that all pupils come to school as often as possible.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils develop a deeper and more detailed knowledge of the school’s values and fundamental British values.

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