Top of the class Impressive primary poised for upgraded Ofsted rating

A PATCHWAY primary school where pupils “come to school with smiles on their faces” may be on course for an outstanding rating after Ofsted inspectors found that it had “improved significantly across all areas” since its last full inspection.

- Lewis CLARKE

Coniston Primary School, located on Epney Close, was previously judged to be ‘Good’ in 2019. However, during its latest ungraded inspection, carried out on Tuesday, February 4, and Wednesday, February 5, inspectors concluded that the school’s next visit would be a full graded inspection, due to evidence suggesting it may now meet the criteria for a higher rating.

With 209 pupils on roll, Coniston Primary was praised for its “happy, nurturing and inclusive” atmosphere, where “pupils trust adults and feel safe and valued.”

Inspectors described the school as one in which “the school’s values, ‘no excuses, unity and excellence,’ are threaded through all that it does.”

The report paints a picture of a vibrant and ambitious school culture. “The school has designed an ambitious, rich curriculum. Leaders have high aspirations for pupils’ learning and behaviour. Pupils rise to the very high standards the school expects of them. As a result, pupils achieve extremely well, and they behave impeccably.”