Horsley Church of England Primary School, nestled in the Gloucestershire village of Horsley near Stroud, has once again earned high praise from Ofsted for its welcoming community and exemplary pupil attitudes. Following an ungraded inspection on March 4, 2025, inspectors confirmed that the school continues to uphold its standards since the previous “good” rating in November 2019.
The report commends the students for their positive behavior and eagerness to share their views. Pupils demonstrate pride in their school and meet the high expectations set by staff, leading to strong academic achievement.
An inclusive ethos is evident, with effective support in place for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This tailored assistance enables these pupils to make significant progress from their individual starting points.
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Wellbeing and safety are central to the school’s ethos. Pupils feel secure and know that staff provide care and support when needed. Respect for diversity and a firm stance against discrimination permeate the school culture.
Leadership fosters responsibility and empathy among students, with older pupils helping younger ones in activities such as playground games and introducing sports like hockey. The school also offers a variety of enrichment opportunities, from visiting plays addressing bullying to girls’ football and music lessons.
Democratic values are instilled through active participation in the school council, where pupils’ voices influence decision-making. The curriculum is both broad and ambitious, regularly reviewed to build on prior learning, particularly in subjects like history and geography where practical fieldwork and data skills are emphasized.
Early years education receives special commendation for its engaging and experiential approach, including outdoor activities that develop mathematical understanding and collaborative problem-solving.
Reading provision has been strengthened, with phonics lessons providing prompt feedback and additional support for pupils who need it, ensuring steady progress.
However, the report identifies an area for improvement: the need for more consistent checks on pupils’ recall in wider curriculum subjects. Without this, teachers miss opportunities to tailor future lessons effectively, which occasionally limits learning.
Core subjects such as mathematics benefit from timely feedback and well-adapted teaching strategies, especially in mixed-age classes. The school has also made successful efforts to boost regular attendance, contributing to a positive learning environment.
Staff morale is high, with teachers proud of their school and supported through ongoing training. Leadership is proactive and ambitious, with governors closely involved in monitoring progress and maintaining strong connections to the local community, including the church.
The inspection concluded that safeguarding arrangements are comprehensive and effective, reinforcing the school’s supportive and nurturing environment.