Uplands Community Primary School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, underwent an inspection on October 8 and 9, 2024, and received a Good rating across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Previously, the school was rated Outstanding in its last inspection in February 2014, and it had been exempt from routine inspections until November 2020 due to this high rating.
The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment that fosters ambition for all pupils. The school's vision emphasizes the importance of helping every student achieve their best, which has resulted in most pupils performing well academically. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, demonstrating pride in their school and a strong desire to succeed. In classrooms, students listen attentively to both teachers and peers, leading to minimal disruptions during lessons. The school has established high expectations for behaviour, which are understood and adhered to by students from an early age. Pupils report that bullying is not an issue, and they feel comfortable approaching trusted adults with any concerns.
Leadership opportunities are actively encouraged, with pupils participating in roles such as school council members, house captains, and lunchtime monitors. Older students in Year 6 take on the responsibility of mentoring younger pupils in Reception, which helps them develop a sense of responsibility. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including trips and after-school clubs, which contribute to the development of students' talents and interests. Notably, during a recent enrichment week focused on design and technology, pupils explored international cuisines and operated a pop-up café for their families.
The curriculum is designed with high aspirations for all students, ensuring that it is both ambitious and well-structured. Staff training is prioritized, equipping teachers with the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum effectively. The school has made significant efforts to adapt learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, allowing most students to access a broad and balanced curriculum. Consequently, pupils achieve commendable outcomes in assessments.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing pupils' language and vocabulary throughout the curriculum, starting from the Reception year. Daily reading lessons are integral to the school’s approach, enabling pupils to build confidence and fluency in reading. The school has identified high-quality texts to enhance pupils' reading experiences and broaden their literary exposure.
While the school has implemented systems to assess pupils' knowledge retention over time, some students struggle to apply their learning in problem-solving contexts, particularly in mathematics. The school is working to improve opportunities for pupils to revisit and reinforce their learning across subjects. Additionally, the school is fostering a positive culture of respect and understanding, underpinned by its values of kindness, uniqueness, and community. This environment promotes polite and well-mannered behaviour among pupils.
The school collaborates closely with families to set clear expectations for attendance, which has shown improvement. It also emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, teaching pupils about safety, including online safety, and promoting respect for diverse beliefs and cultures. Staff members appreciate the support provided by school leaders regarding their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
The inspection concluded that while the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that pupils retain knowledge over the long term and can articulate their reasoning in mathematics. The school is encouraged to continue developing strategies to enhance these aspects of learning.
