CASTLE Primary School in Keynsham is a “happy and safe place for pupils to learn,” according to Ofsted inspectors.
They gave the school in Newlands Road a ‘good’ rating overall, while its behaviour and attitudes, and early years provision, were rated as ‘outstanding’.
It was the first time Ofsted had inspected the school since it converted to an academy in 2019 and joined The Partnership Trust.
Ofsted had previously said the school needed to make improvements.
After the latest inspection, pupils were commended for their exceptional behaviour.
“They are polite to adults and their peers. Pupils behave impeccably at social times and in lessons.
“Older pupils provide strong role models for others. Pupils’ attitudes are exemplary. They are a credit to the school.”
The inspectors said the school prioritises developing pupils’ character and that their personal and academic achievements begin in early years.
“Pupils enjoy a wide range of school clubs such as sports, yoga and chess. They are proud of their responsibilities as school captains, librarians and play leaders.”
Ofsted praised the school – which had 328 children on its roll at the time of the inspection – for creating a wide range of opportunities for pupils’ wider development.
“Pupils know that judging others by background, gender or race is wrong. They have a clear sense of right and wrong. The school is successfully growing a community of responsible and kind young citizens.”
Ofsted was impressed with the parent community’s response to the visit, and acknowledged that parents are exceptionally happy with the school, saying “they welcome the school’s caring and nurturing environment.”
Headteacher Chris Cannings thanked the entire staff team and volunteers, some of whom are no longer part of the school, who contributed to Castle Primary’s improvement journey over the last five years.
He said: “The report reflects the efforts of the children, staff and whole community, as well as the significant investment from St John’s Foundation in recent years. We are pleased the local community has the school it deserves.”
Ofsted praises ‘happy and safe’ Keynsham school
