Holy Trinity Primary School, based on Broad Croft in Bradley Stoke, has welcomed a ‘good’ rating following a recent Ofsted inspection.
In assessing what it was like to attend the school, the inspector commented that pupils are proud to attend this welcoming and inclusive school. The school’s values of ‘respect, peace, generosity, justice, resilience and thankfulness’ underpin all aspects of school life and this helps to shape pupils’ character. As a result, pupils treat everyone equally and fairly.
The inspector noted that pupils are happy and feel safe, and they understand how to keep themselves safe online. Pupils enjoy positive relationships with staff and each other. They know that adults look out for everyone and trust them to listen and act quickly if any worries or concerns arise.
Manners and behaviour of pupils were also reported on well: “Pupils are courteous, well mannered and behave well in lessons. The school has high ambitions for its pupils. They rise to these expectations.”
The inspector continued: “Pupils demonstrate that they are resilient and work hard. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well and are well prepared for their next stage. The school develops pupils’ interests and skills through extra-curricular clubs and activities, such as netball, cricket and construction. Older pupils are encouraged to think about their future careers.”
It was felt that pupils are active members of the school community. They raise money for different causes, such as raising funds for a new netball kit or by supporting local and national charities.
In terms of what the school does well or could improve, it was noted that the school has experienced a period of turbulence, which included changes to senior staff. However, the inspector felt the new headteacher Stuart McClelland had brought stability and ambition to the school. This has led to significant improvements, particularly in maths, where staff implement the curriculum effectively.
The inspector added: “The school has recently strengthened the curriculum so that it is ambitious, broad and rich with vocabulary. It has identified the precise knowledge pupils should learn and remember from the early years to Year 6. Many pupils speak English as an additional language. The school has thought carefully about the needs of these pupils, especially if they are new to the country. This enables pupils to develop their language and settle into the school community quickly.”