Longwell Green Primary may soon move from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’Longwell Green Primary School has won high praise from Ofsted

A “wonderful” primary school in the outskirts of Bristol where “everyone is valued, included and cared for” may be on track for an upgraded rating after impressing inspectors with its transformation since the last full inspection.

Longwell Green Primary School, located on Ellacombe Road in Longwell Green, South Gloucestershire, was previously rated ‘good’ in September 2019.

However, following its latest ungraded inspection on Tuesday, February 11 and Wednesday, February 12, inspectors concluded that the school’s “work may have improved significantly across all areas”. This means its next visit will be a full graded inspection, which could result in a higher official rating.

Headteacher Darren Brown said: “We are so proud of this fantastic outcome, which places Longwell Green among the very best.

“It’s a true reflection of the hard work, care and ambition shown every day by our staff, our pupils, and our families. Longwell Green is a very special place, and we are excited for the future.”

The school, which has 403 pupils aged five to eleven, has been widely praised for its inclusive ethos, ambitious curriculum, and “high expectations” across the board.

“Longwell Green Primary is a wonderful school. Pupils work hard and they play hard. Everyone has a chance to shine,” the report states.

“The school’s vision of ‘inspiring learning’ is lived and breathed each day.”

Inspectors found that pupils were thriving under a system of consistent, clear expectations.

“As a result of the high expectations, which are consistent across the school, pupils behave extremely well. They look after one another. They are kind, polite and courteous. They talk with enthusiasm about the school rules: to be ready, to respect and to care. Pupils are extremely proud to belong to Longwell Green Primary.”

Leadership at the school was described as clear and effective. Ofsted found: “Since the previous inspection, Longwell Green Primary has gone from strength to strength.

“There is a clear and unfaltering ambition to take every possible action so that pupils achieve well. Roles and responsibilities at all levels are crystal clear. Governors play a full part in the strategic direction of the school. Expectations are high in all aspects of the school’s work.”

The school’s inclusive approach was also highlighted. “A strength of this inclusive school is how well pupils’ individual needs are identified and understood,” according to Ofsted.

“This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The well-constructed, ambitious curriculum ensures that pupils’ knowledge builds securely over time.”

Staff were commended for their subject knowledge and delivery. Ofsted said: “Teachers are knowledgeable and highly skilled in bringing the content of the curriculum to life so that it is interesting and memorable.

“Pupils experience very clear explanations and examples. This enables them to complete their learning tasks successfully. Staff make sure that every pupil has the support needed to achieve well.”

Reading is a clear priority for the school. “Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Throughout the school, books are celebrated and valued.

“Pupils enjoy reading stories and information books alongside their teachers. Children in the Reception classes experience this from the very start. The youngest children make puppets and retell stories, such as ‘The Gingerbread Man’.”

Inspectors also found that “phonics learning is well organised and thoroughly assessed”, helping young pupils become fluent and confident readers. Older pupils build on this by using stories to explore wider curriculum themes, including significant historical topics such as the world wars.

The report notes strong attendance and safeguarding measures. “Pupils love coming to school. They are punctual and attend well. There is no complacency here. The school carefully and rigorously assesses attendance patterns. This information is used to support families as soon as any issues arise.”

Ofsted added that safeguarding arrangements were effective and that the school had “created an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts pupils’ interests first”.