Longwell Green Primary School in South Gloucestershire is on track to achieve an improved Ofsted rating following a recent ungraded inspection that highlighted significant improvements across the board. The school, located on Ellacombe Road, was last rated ‘good’ in September 2019, and the latest visit by inspectors on February 11 and 12 suggests it could soon reach the coveted ‘outstanding’ status.
Headteacher Darren Brown expressed pride in the findings, noting, “This outcome truly reflects the dedication, care, and ambition shown daily by our staff, pupils, and families. Longwell Green is a very special place, and we’re excited for the future.”
With 403 pupils aged five to eleven, Longwell Green Primary has earned praise for its welcoming, inclusive environment and ambitious curriculum. The inspectors’ report highlighted the school’s ethos stating, “Everyone has a chance to shine,” and described the vision of ‘inspiring learning’ as being evident every day.
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The inspection revealed that pupils thrive under consistent and clear expectations, contributing to excellent behaviour and a supportive atmosphere. According to the report, “Pupils behave extremely well, look after one another, and demonstrate kindness and respect. They proudly uphold the school rules: to be ready, to respect, and to care.”
Leadership at the school was deemed clear and effective, with a strong strategic focus on pupil achievement. Governance was also commended for playing a full role in maintaining high standards throughout the school. The report states, “Since the last inspection, Longwell Green has gone from strength to strength, with crystal-clear roles and an unwavering ambition to help every pupil succeed.”
The school’s commitment to inclusivity stood out, particularly in how it identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Inspectors praised the thoughtfully designed, ambitious curriculum that ensures steady knowledge-building over time.
Teachers impressed inspectors with their deep subject knowledge and ability to make learning engaging and memorable. “Clear explanations and well-chosen examples help pupils complete tasks successfully,” noted the report. Every pupil receives the support they need to achieve their potential.
Reading is a cornerstone of the school’s curriculum. Books are celebrated across all year groups, with youngest children engaging in storytelling activities such as making puppets and retelling classic tales like ‘The Gingerbread Man’. Well-organized phonics instruction supports early reading development, allowing pupils to become fluent and confident readers. Older students expand their learning through stories linked to wider curriculum themes, including important historical events like the world wars.
Attendance and safeguarding were also strong points in Longwell Green’s recent inspection. Pupils enjoy coming to school and maintain excellent attendance and punctuality. The school actively monitors attendance patterns and supports families when necessary. Inspectors confirmed that safeguarding arrangements are effective, describing a culture that prioritizes pupil welfare.
With these positive findings, Longwell Green Primary appears well placed to achieve an outstanding rating at its next full Ofsted inspection, highlighting its dedication to providing an inclusive, ambitious, and supportive learning environment.