Bridge Farm Primary School, located in Bristol, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on June 11 and 12, 2024, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Joy Mounter, leads the school, which is part of the Futura Learning Partnership, overseen by CEO Andrea Arlidge and a board of trustees chaired by Malcolm Broad MBE.
The school has established a positive environment where pupils feel safe and supported. Upon arrival, students exhibit enthusiasm for learning, and they maintain warm relationships with staff. The conduct of pupils is exemplary, reflecting a strong sense of community and shared values such as respect and collaboration. Pupils are eager to engage in their education, understanding that persistence and practice are essential for improvement. They appreciate the recognition they receive for their efforts and resilience.
Bridge Farm Primary School offers a variety of enrichment opportunities, including clubs for football and choir, which help students develop their interests and talents. Older pupils take on leadership roles, such as play leaders, and understand their responsibility as role models for younger students. Educational trips, such as visits to local historical sites, further enhance their learning experiences.
The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. Recent leadership changes have strengthened the curriculum, which is designed to provide essential knowledge in a structured manner. The curriculum is broken down into manageable steps, allowing pupils to build on their existing knowledge effectively. For instance, in mathematics, older students apply their understanding of multiplication to tackle more complex problems.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement, particularly in the implementation of the curriculum in some subjects. In these areas, pupils may not be building on their knowledge as effectively as possible. Additionally, the use of assessment in certain subjects is not fully developed, which can hinder teachers' ability to gauge pupils' understanding accurately.
In the early years, children in the Reception Year receive a strong start, with staff providing well-resourced opportunities for skill development and knowledge building. There is a focus on vocabulary development, with staff encouraging children to articulate their learning using subject-specific language. Reading is prioritized from the outset, with pupils engaging with texts that align with their phonetic knowledge, fostering fluency and confidence.
The school effectively meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring that support is tailored to individual requirements. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is integrated from early years through to later years, promoting respect for diversity and understanding of British values.
The governing body and local committee share the school's ambitious vision, demonstrating a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for development. Staff appreciate the support and collaboration provided by the trust, feeling valued and respected in their roles.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bridge Farm Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to enhance the implementation of its curriculum and improve assessment practices to better support pupil learning. Overall, the school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory in providing quality education.
