Inspectors praises Berkeley Primary School in Ofsted report

Berkeley Primary School has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in its latest inspection.

Inspectors said the school is a ‘friendly’ and ‘welcoming’ place to learn with a ‘well-planned’ curriculum.

Head teacher Alexandra Robbins said was ‘immensely proud’ of her students, staff and school community. 

She said: “We are thrilled with our recent inspection and are very proud to be able to share the results. 

Berkeley Primary School pupils celebrating (Image: Newsquest)

“I am immensely proud to work with such an exceptional team who are all passionate and committed to the vision we share at BPS for the best educational experiences for the children we teach. 

“I couldn’t be more pleased or proud if I tried. 

“The children have arrived back with open arms and smiles and the school is alive once more ready for another incredible year.” 

Inspectors visited the school on June 15 and 16 and nearly scored the school at the highest level - with ‘outstanding’ ratings in two categories: behaviour and attitudes and personal improvement.

According to the Ofsted report, inspectors found that the school is ‘led by ambitious and motivated leaders’ where pupils are ‘curious’ and feel ‘well cared for’.

The inspectors were also impressed with the children’s reading where students ‘are taught to read as soon as they start school’ and ‘adults inspire pupils to develop a love of reading’. 

However, the inspection found there were still issues that needed to be improved. 

Berkeley Primary School on Marybrook Street

Inspectors said, in some foundation subjects, sequences of learning do not identify key knowledge pupils must learn. As a result pupils do not routinely develop the deep knowledge they need to prepare them for what comes next. 

Ofsted said in their report: “Assessment is not used well enough to check how well pupils are building on previous knowledge. Where this is the case pupils have gaps in their knowledge.

In April 2018, the school joined Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust (CBAT). 

CBAT’s chief executive officer, Dr Stuart Wilson said: “The outcome of the inspection is wonderful news for everyone associated with Berkeley Primary School and the report really captures the essence of the school. 

“We know that the children at Berkeley really enjoy their time at school. 

“They receive an excellent quality of education and highly effective support for their pastoral care and personal development, and we are delighted that this has been recognised by Ofsted, including the outstanding judgement in two categories. 

“On behalf of everyone at CBAT, I would like to congratulate the pupils, staff and governors who work so hard to make the school such a wonderful place.”