PUPILS and teachers from a village school near Yate are celebrating having bounced back after receiving a new and improved Ofsted rating. 

Hawkesbury Primary School was handed a “good” rating after inspectors visited the school on September 12 and 13. 

The school was rated good in five categories with inspectors describing pupils as “polite” and “well mannered” where they hold doors open for adults. 

Meanwhile, the school itself was described as “inclusive”, “welcoming” and “nurturing” where playtimes and lunchtimes are “harmonious and enjoyable” for all.

In addition, the report also says that the “curriculum is well designed and ambitious” where pupils build their knowledge well over time.

It comes after the school was previously rated as “outstanding” in 2014 before dropping to   “requires improvement” in 2019. 

Since that last inspection, the report says staff at the school have been “relentless in their drive to make the necessary improvements.”

Gazette Series: Pupils and staff from Hawkesbury Primary School celebrating their recent good Ofsted rating Pupils and staff from Hawkesbury Primary School celebrating their recent good Ofsted rating (Image: Hawkesbury Primary School)

Executive headteacher Mike Riches, who also runs Iron Acton Primary School, said: “I am so pleased with the outcome of our recent inspection. 

“It recognises so many of the positive aspects of our wonderful school. 

“The school community has worked tirelessly to secure this fantastic result over the past four years. 

“I am grateful to everyone for all they have done: staff, parents, governors and children.”

The report reads: “The school ensures that reading is a high priority. 

“The new and effective phonics programme supports pupils to learn to read well. 

“Teachers quickly identify any pupils who start to fall behind. 

“Pupils say that everyone is welcome in their school. 

“They recognise that everyone is different and unique. 

“This helps them to understand the world beyond Hawkesbury.”

However, the report says the school still needs to improve in some areas.

Inspectors said “in some subjects in the wider curriculum, the school has not identified the
important knowledge pupils need to learn.”

“This means that pupils do not experience a well-sequenced curriculum, and they develop gaps in their knowledge,” the report reads. 

“The school needs to identify the key knowledge they want pupils to know and remember and then assess to check understanding.”

You can read the full report here -  tinyurl.com/ync4dccy