Excellence and Achievement: Our Ofsted Journey

St Oswald’s CofE Primary School was inspected by Ofsted on 2 June 2026. The inspection recognised many positive aspects of school life, with safeguarding standards met and Attendance and Behaviour, Early Years, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing all meeting the Expected Standard.

Summary:

Inspectors described pupils as happy, safe and positive about their learning. They highlighted the caring support provided by staff, positive behaviour and relationships, and the wide range of sporting, enrichment and leadership opportunities available to pupils. The report also recognised that parents and carers are positive about the school and the care their children receive.

Key Strengths:

• Safeguarding is effective – safeguarding standards were met, with an open culture where concerns are identified and acted upon.
• Positive behaviour and attitudes – pupils enjoy coming to school, behave well and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning.
• Strong relationships and wellbeing support – pupils are kind, play well together and trust adults to help them. Staff provide effective support for pupils who need help managing their emotions.
• Positive Early Years provision – children are safe and happy, benefit from an engaging curriculum and are generally well prepared for Year 1.
• Effective leadership and governance – leaders understand the school’s strengths and priorities, while governors fulfil their statutory responsibilities and hold leaders to account.
• Strong personal development and enrichment – school parliament, sports ambassadors, environmental leadership, music, digital opportunities, clubs and residential experiences provide pupils with a broad range of experiences.
• Strong outcomes in core subjects – attainment in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Year 6 is above the national average, with reading identified as a particular strength.
• Positive staff and parent views – staff are described as proud and happy to work at the school, while parents value the experience and care provided for their children.