Bessbrook Primary School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action where teachers refused to cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the report states the ETI is “unable to assure” parents of the quality of education provided. Most evaluation areas were marked as having “no performance level available” due to the limited evidence base.

Strengths

• Year 7 children “engaged enthusiastically” in discussions about numeracy and demonstrated a “good understanding” of its importance in everyday life.
• Governors expressed “confidence in the principal and staff” and pride in the school’s “inclusive ethos”.
• The school development plan is described as “comprehensive and well-structured”, with action plans having “clear, evaluative baselines”.
• Year 6 children reported that they “feel safe in school” and know what to do if they have concerns about their well-being.

Areas to improve

• The report does not list specific areas for improvement; instead, it notes the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully” outcomes, provision, and leadership effectiveness.
• The school must address the lack of assurance regarding educational quality, which “will be reflected in future inspection activity”.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education”, though the ETI was unable to fully evaluate their outworking due to the industrial action.