The Bristol school where pupils “excel and thrive” obtains perfect Ofsted report

A primary school in Bristol where pupils love to learn, “excel academically and thrive socially and emotionally” obtained a perfect Ofsted report following a recent inspection. Westbury Park School, on Bayswater Avenue, was given an ‘Outstanding’; rating in each key judgement area when the school was inspected on October 8 and October 9.

The primary school has 415 pupils on the school roll and inspectors heaped praise onto the school where pupils develop “very high aspirations to succeed”. The inspection last month was the first time in ten years that the school was inspected, as it had earned an ‘Outstanding’ rating in 2014, but the school continues to shine.

Inspectors described the education as “expertly designed” as pupils are able to develop their character and learn the importance of citizenship through helping each other. Pupils learn “impressive” leadership skills through a range of roles and responsibilities, including older pupils supporting younger pupils as they learn to read, and children develop a strong understanding of democracy.

The report said: “Pupils learn to form meaningful friendships, they are kind, helpful and respectful towards each other. In reception, children learn well to take turns and share. They relish learning to build dens through sharing ideas and planning together.

“Throughout the school, pupils learn the routines of school very well. As a result, the learning environment is harmonious and calm. From reception to year six, children and pupils are very enthusiastic about learning.”

The school’s vision for pupils to be “exceptionally well prepared” for life beyond the classroom is shared by all staff. The well-designed curriculum allows pupils to build on prior knowledge in all subject areas which means complex concepts are taught and learned with success.

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The report said: “Pupils have many opportunities to discuss their ideas in depth. They articulate their thinking with maturity and a breadth of sophisticated vocabulary, which enables and supports them to craft their writing with knowledge and impressive skill.

“Through the curriculum, pupils and children in reception independently apply what they have learned to unfamiliar problems very well. Consequently, pupils at both key stage 1 and key stage 2 consistently achieve highly in reading, writing and mathematics.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive outstanding support to ensure that they learn without barriers. The school is tenacious in monitoring the support provided to pupils with SEND. As a result, they are fully engaged and achieve very well.

“Across the curriculum, staff check what pupils know and do not know with precision. So, staff identify pupils’ misconceptions swiftly and provide personalised support to ensure that pupils succeed.”

Reading is prioritised across the curriculum as younger children read a variety of stories and pupils who struggle are able to catch up with support. In reception, children develop knowledge across a breadth of subjects, helped by a curriculum, which “stimulates curiosity”. Language development is also a priority at the school, as staff encourage pupils to speak up and share their thoughts about topics they are studying.

The report added: “Pupils’ attendance at school is very strong and pupils are eager to learn. The many planned trips and visitors further enrich the curriculum, for example, pupils visit Normandy, France, and all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, relish the opportunities to apply their French language and cultural knowledge in the market as well as research specific historical events such as the World War II Normandy landings and the Bayeux Tapestry.

“Leadership, including governance, is outstanding. Through a shared vision of excellence, they have ensured and assured a very well-designed curriculum for pupils. Staff are unanimously proud to work at the school.”

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