‘Friendly and inclusive’ primary school outside Bristol gets ‘Good’ rating.

A ‘friendly and inclusive’ primary school outside Bristol has retained its ‘Good’ grade by Ofsted in a recent ungraded inspection. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, in Bradley Stoke, has now been rated ‘Good’ for eleven years as Ofsted praised improvements in the curriculum and extra activities the school offers pupils.

Clifton Diocese Roman Catholic School provides education for 209 pupils aged between four and 11 years. The school opened in September 1999 and, in its 25th year, “continues to be a good school”.

St Mary’s was initially rated ‘Good’ in October 2013 and has had two further unrated inspections, in November 2018 and June 2024 respectively, in which the school was judged to be of the same rating. Non-graded inspections, for those schools rated “Good”, take place about once every four years to see if the grade could be raised or lowered, at which time another inspection would take place.

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Ofsted described the Catholic school as “friendly and inclusive”, where pupils “demonstrate respect for people’s differences and celebrate each other as unique individuals”. Parents praise the supportive atmosphere in the primary school, which allows students to develop, and the school sets high expectations for students, which makes students want to meet those expectations.

Ofsted said: “Pupils work hard during the lesson and are keen to contribute their ideas. This begins in the reception year when children are curious about the world around them, older students listen carefully and cooperate with their peers. This creates a positive learning environment where students succeed.”

Pupils told inspectors they enjoyed the leadership opportunities available at the school. Ofsted added: “Pupils know they can make a difference to those less fortunate, for example through links with the church community and the Mini Vinnies charity.

A “well designed” curriculum.

Ofsted noted that the school, since the previous inspection in 2018, had undergone changes in leadership and that the school had entered a period of stability. Reading now forms a central role in the curriculum.

Ofsted said: “The school promotes a love of reading at every opportunity, with teachers wearing ‘ask me what I’m reading’ badges which encourage conversations about books. Older students read a wide range of books by different authors and the school has designed the reading curriculum to ensure that students learn about diversity.

“Adults have received training to ensure they are experts in delivering the phonics programme. As a result, there is a consistent approach to how students learn phonics. The school’s mantra of ‘keeping up, not catching up’ means students at risk of falling behind get the support they need.”

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The “well-designed” curriculum ensures that students learn and remember the most important knowledge in most subjects, however some subjects are less developed. In those subjects, including Geography, key information is not considered and students cannot remember essential information.

Teachers use a system known as “flashback 4” where important information is reviewed at the beginning of each lesson. Despite this, the use of assessments in the wider curriculum is not effective and gaps in student knowledge are not being identified.

Ofsted praised the pupils for being “polite and kind”. Students listen to each other respectfully and move around the school in a safe manner.

The school’s clubs and extra-curricular activities have also been praised by Ofsted for developing interests and talents. Ofsted said: “Extracurricular clubs, including multi-sport events, gymnastics, cooking and sewing, enrich pupils’ experience at school. Trips to museums and to the city of Bristol help students understand their local history and how it influences life today.”

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