Gilsland Church of England Primary School, located in Brampton, Cumbria, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on October 19 and 20, 2022. The school has been rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which indicated a need for improvement.
Pupils at Gilsland are reported to be very happy and feel a strong sense of belonging within the school community. The school promotes a culture of kindness and inclusion, encouraging students to care for one another and participate actively in school life. This supportive environment contributes to pupils feeling safe and valued. The leadership team has high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, fostering a culture of striving for personal bests.
Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with older students taking on mentorship roles for younger peers. Incidents of bullying are rare and effectively managed by staff. The school's unique location on Hadrian's Wall enriches the curriculum, allowing pupils to engage with local history and geography through regular visits to historical sites. This connection to their surroundings helps students develop a deeper understanding of their community and its history.
The curriculum at Gilsland is broad and ambitious, designed to meet the diverse needs of its small student body. Leaders have carefully structured the curriculum to ensure that knowledge is built logically over time, with a strong emphasis on language and vocabulary development from early years. Pupils are encouraged to use technical language confidently across subjects. However, there is a noted need for further training for staff to better identify pupils who may have additional needs, as some students with special educational needs are not always recognized as needing support.
Subject leaders are well-trained and provide effective support to teachers, ensuring that the intended curriculum is delivered successfully. Assessment strategies are utilized effectively to monitor pupil progress and retention of knowledge. Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with investments in diverse literature that broadens pupils' understanding of the world. The phonics curriculum is consistently taught from the beginning of Reception Year, enabling pupils to become confident readers.
Pupils exhibit polite and friendly behaviour, often collaborating and assisting one another. However, there are instances where some students rely too heavily on adult support for focus, which can hinder their independence in learning. The school offers various extracurricular opportunities, including participation in local competitions and workshops led by community experts, enhancing pupils' skills beyond the academic curriculum.
While the school has made strides in personal development, there is still work to be done in ensuring that the curriculum prepares pupils to be independent and respectful citizens. Leaders are encouraged to deliver the personal development curriculum consistently to better equip students for life in modern Britain.
Governance at Gilsland is strong, with governors and trust members actively involved in supporting and challenging school leaders. Staff report feeling valued and supported, with leaders taking steps to consider their well-being and workload.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to safeguarding issues. Pupils are educated on safety, including road safety and bicycle safety, contributing to their overall well-being.
In summary, Gilsland Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in staff training for identifying additional needs and enhancing the personal development curriculum, the school is on a positive trajectory, fostering a strong sense of community and academic achievement among its students.
