The Bishop Harvey Goodwin School, a Church of England Voluntary Aided primary school located in Carlisle, Cumbria, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on April 30 and May 1, 2024, and the school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good. The school serves a mixed-gender population of 162 pupils aged between three and eleven years.
Pupils at the school express happiness and a sense of belonging, appreciating the friendships they cultivate daily. They demonstrate mature attitudes towards diversity and understand the importance of respecting others. The school sets high expectations for both academic achievement and personal development, which pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, strive to meet. Recognition of their efforts, such as invitations to a weekly tea party with the headteacher, fosters a positive learning environment.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with classrooms being calm and focused. The school has recently enhanced its strategies to support positive behaviour, effectively assisting a small number of pupils who require help in managing their emotions. Pupils benefit from a variety of enriching experiences, including educational trips to local historical sites and participation in after-school clubs such as choir, sports, and drama.
The curriculum at the school is well-structured and ambitious, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge in a logical sequence. It incorporates elements of the local area's rich history, and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities achieve well. Staff provide clear explanations during lessons and have received comprehensive training to enhance their subject knowledge. Teachers employ effective strategies to assess pupils' understanding, although there are instances where prior knowledge is not adequately checked before introducing new concepts, which can hinder some pupils' learning.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with high-quality texts integrated into the curriculum. The school library is frequently visited, and older pupils enjoy engaging with quizzes related to their reading. The introduction of a 'book wizard' and author visits further promotes a love of reading among pupils. In the early years, children develop their communication and language skills through engaging activities, preparing them well for phonics instruction in Reception.
Pupils generally respond positively to the school's expectations for behaviour and demonstrate a commitment to their learning. However, attendance remains a concern, with a significant number of pupils being persistently absent. This affects their learning opportunities and overall experience at school. The school is working to strengthen its engagement with parents to address this issue.
The school effectively supports pupils' personal development, teaching them about safety and mental health. Leadership opportunities are provided through various roles, allowing pupils to develop skills that will benefit them in the future. The governing body plays an active role in supporting and challenging the school to enhance educational quality. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the support provided by the school, including counseling and consideration of their feedback.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection concluded that while the school excels in many areas, it must focus on ensuring that teachers consistently build on pupils' prior knowledge and improve attendance rates to enhance the overall educational experience for all students.
