Kingsholm Church of England Primary School in Gloucester, once rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, has recently been downgraded to “Requires Improvement” across most key areas. The inspection, conducted on February 25 and 26, points to ongoing challenges including leadership changes, curriculum inconsistencies, and uneven staff expectations.
Located on Guinea Street and serving 619 pupils aged two to eleven, Kingsholm is recognized for its welcoming environment. Inspectors noted, “Kingsholm is a school that welcomes and accepts everyone, regardless of background.” They praised the caring relationships between pupils and staff and highlighted swift, effective responses to concerns such as bullying, contributing to a safe and happy atmosphere.
However, the report also highlighted that the school “has not fully realised its high ambition across key stages 1 and 2,” with some pupils not meeting expected standards by the end of Year 6. Recent instability in leadership has played a role in this. Acting headteacher Hayley Hanson took over in January 2025, supported by two acting deputy headteachers sharing duties, and a new special educational needs and disabilities coordinator joined in February. Inspectors acknowledged that interim leadership, aided by the local authority, has started “decisive action” to revise curriculum sections and raise academic aspirations. Governance was commended for providing “more probing challenge” to support progress.
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Despite these advances, inconsistencies remain. Some staff do not consistently uphold rising expectations, particularly regarding handwriting, punctuation, and presentation, which impacts pupils’ writing quality. Furthermore, in several subjects, pupils’ knowledge suffers due to unclear curriculum goals and insufficient reinforcement of key content.
The early years provision stood out as a strength, rated “Good.” Inspectors observed that young children, including two-year-olds, receive a strong educational start, with ample opportunities to develop communication and mathematical skills. Staff effectively incorporate storytelling, songs, and rhymes throughout the day, enriching learning experiences.
Reading is a clear priority; from Reception onwards, pupils learn phonics and read books aligned with their developing skills. Older children engage with challenging texts and ambitious vocabulary, with most reading accurately by Year 2. Subjects such as mathematics and physical education also showed positive signs. Year 4 pupils learn efficient calculation strategies, and Year 6 pupils demonstrate understanding of sports rules and tactics.
Nevertheless, the school could do more to foster pupils’ personal development. Inspectors noted a lack of meaningful opportunities for pupils to contribute positively to the school community, which restricts character growth.
Behaviour was generally calm and respectful, with most pupils following the school’s ‘three Bs’—‘be respectful,’ ‘be kind,’ and ‘be your best.’ However, some pupils needed reminders about routines like lining up. Attendance remains a concern, with some pupils missing school frequently, negatively impacting their learning.
Safeguarding arrangements were deemed effective, and staff received praise for their support and adaptability amid ongoing changes, appreciating efforts to manage workload.
In conclusion, while foundational improvements are underway, sustained progress is still required. Inspectors emphasized that “much successful work is taking place to improve the curriculum,” but gaps in subject content limit the depth and breadth of pupils’ knowledge acquisition.
Formerly rated “Outstanding” in 2013, Kingsholm now faces the challenge of transforming this report’s findings into lasting improvements across the school.
Acting headteacher Hayley Hanson responded, “We accept the findings of this Ofsted report and we are working hard to improve. Inspectors noted positive changes and welcomed our recent curriculum overhaul. I am proud that Ofsted recognised our inclusive culture and the caring relationships between pupils and staff. I thank our staff for their dedication as we continue to build on our progress.”