Harrogate, Bilton Grange Primary School

Overview

Pupils “flourish” at this school, which maintains its overall judgement of “good” following an ungraded inspection. The report notes that evidence suggests the school might achieve an “outstanding” grade if a full graded inspection were conducted now. Leaders have cultivated a “highly inclusive school culture” where pupils are “proud to be themselves” and the environment is described as a “very happy place to learn.”

Strengths

• The curriculum is “broad and ambitious,” helping pupils secure “deep knowledge” in subjects such as music, where they demonstrate impressive understanding of concepts like “perfect cadences.”
• Early years staff provide a “secure foundation” for learning, with children getting off to a “flying start” in phonics and becoming “confident readers” through expert support.
• Behaviour is “exemplary,” with adults applying high expectations consistently; lessons are “calm and focused” as pupils recognise the importance of their learning.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same ambitious curriculum, with adults working to “remove any barriers” to ensure they “flourish.”
• Governance is “extremely knowledgeable,” with leaders prioritising staff workload and well-being to ensure improvements are “sustained.”

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective.”