Bardsey Primary rated strong by Ofsted
Leeds primary school rated strong across the board in glowing Ofsted report
A Leeds primary school has been rated strong across the board in a glowing Ofsted report.
Bardsey Primary Academy was praised by inspectors for the impact of leaders' actions on “improved attendance, behaviour, achievement and inclusion” since joining GORSE Academies Trust in 2023.
Ofsted highlighted that "the trust has detailed oversight of the school’s effectiveness" and that trustees "scrutinise school performance information thoroughly".
Graham Parry, Principal of Bardsey Primary Academy, said: "This report is a proud moment for everyone at Bardsey Primary Academy.
“To be rated ‘strong’ in every area is a superb achievement and the result of a real team effort.
“Everyone involved with the school has played their part in this success – our hard-working, talented staff, our supportive parents, The GORSE Academies Trust, and of course our wonderful pupils.”
After a visit by Ofsted inspectors last June, Bardsey was judged to have reached a strong standard in all seven areas inspected: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Around only four per cent of primary schools in England had achieved a strong standard across every area.
Key highlights include that:
By the end of Year 6, pupils’ attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is consistently above the national average, with inspectors noting that disadvantaged pupils "outperform other disadvantaged pupils nationally".
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities "fare very well due to the close attention that is given to reducing their barriers to learning".
Leaders have built "an ambitious, rich and well-structured curriculum that is designed to develop deep thinking and reflection".
A newly developed early years outdoor provision area supports the school’s ambition to give children the best possible start, with leaders recognising that "giving children the best start to their education is crucial for future success".
Attendance rates are consistently above the national average.
Pupils benefit from an extensive enrichment offer including specialist Mandarin lessons, beekeeping, astronomy and karate, alongside a dedicated careers week.
Pastoral support is highly effective, ensuring pupils "have someone to turn to when they are upset or worried".
Parents and carers are "extremely positive about the school’s work", telling inspectors that leaders "go above and beyond to secure pupils’ academic progress and personal development".
Mr Parry added: “We are committed to providing the very best education possible both inside and outside the classroom, including a wide and enriching educational offer, so we are thrilled that this has been recognised by Ofsted.
“I want to thank our whole school community for all that they have done.
“We will continue to work hard every day to continue to give our children the best education possible.”
Sir John Townsley, Chief Executive Officer of The GORSE Academies Trust, said: "Bardsey Primary Academy’s result is a real credit to Graham Parry and his team.
“They have worked tirelessly to produce a school that is at the top of its game and that gives children a superb education.
“We look forward to seeing Bardsey Primary go from strength to strength.”
The report can be read in full here https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/149546.