Tilstock CofE Primary and Nursery

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 May 2026

Pupils are happy and proud to be part of this welcoming school community. They arrive each day with enthusiasm and are greeted warmly by staff who know them well. This helps pupils to feel safe, valued and ready to learn. The school’s vision, ‘Shine bright and reach for the stars,’ is understood by pupils and reflected in their positive attitudes, resilience and determination. There is a strong sense of belonging across the school. Pupils describe their school as a place where everyone is included. As a result, pupils attend regularly and arrive on time, ready to make the most of their learning. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve well from their starting points. Pupils enjoy their learning and engage well in lessons. Pupils talk confidently about what they have learned and make links between new learning and prior knowledge. However, teachers do not consistently use assessment information precisely to build on what pupils already know or address errors in handwriting and spelling. This means that activities do not always deepen pupils’ knowledge and understanding or help some pupils develop fluency in writing. Behaviour across the school is calm and purposeful. Pupils understand the importance of respect and demonstrate this in their interactions with others. They follow established routines well, which supports a positive learning environment. Pupils say that bullying is rare. They are confident that staff will listen and take swift action if any concerns arise. Children in the early years settle quickly and learn how to cooperate and share effectively. Staff work closely with families to reduce barriers to learning and support pupils’ wellbeing. They identify barriers to learning and provide support to help pupils overcome these and learn successfully. Pupils benefit from a range of wider opportunities including clubs, trips and leadership roles. These experiences help pupils to grow in confidence, develop responsibility and understand how to contribute positively to their school and wider community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure that teachers effectively identify and address gaps in pupils' basic knowledge and skills in writing, so pupils further improve their spelling, handwriting and letter formation in a timely manner.
• Leaders should ensure that teaching across subjects consistently enables pupils to build on their prior learning, enabling pupils to apply their skills and knowledge consistently to deepen their understanding across the curriculum.

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