A Kingswood primary school has been judged by Ofsted to need significant improvement.
Following a visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary in June, the watchdog found the school met the expected standard in only one inspection category and rated it as needing attention in five others, while saying that early years provision required urgent improvement.
The Ofsted report, which was published in September, acknowledged that the school in Hanham Road had been through significant turbulence and noted that the headteacher Meg Wilson and governors “accurately understand what the school does well and what needs to improve”.
“The new headteacher has brought much-needed stability and direction,” the inspectors wrote.
Mrs Wilson, who joined the 167-pupil school a year ago, told the Voice: “While I recognise there are areas requiring improvement, particularly in our Early Years Foundation Stage, I am incredibly proud of the significant progress we have already made in just one year.
“Our 2025-26 Key Stage 2 SATs results demonstrate remarkable progress across all curriculum areas. Reading attainment increased by 34 percentage points (from 47% to 81%), writing by 27 percentage points (from 40% to 67%), and mathematics by 31 percentage points (from 47% to 78%). Most significantly, combined Reading, Writing and Mathematics attainment increased by 29 percentage points, from 27% to 56%.
“The inspection team recognised the excellent behaviour and positive attitudes of our pupils, the calm atmosphere of the school, and the courtesy and respect shown by our children.”
Ofsted said the early years provision was ineffective: “Staff do not have high enough expectations of what children can achieve and do not provide children with learning activities that develop their knowledge, understanding and skills. Consequently, children in the early years are not well prepared for Year 1.”
The categories rated as “needs attention” were achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing. Inspectors outlined eight ‘next steps’ to help the school continue to get better.
Attendance and behaviour was the category where the expected standard was met. The report praised a relentless approach to attendance, understood by families.
“Leaders focus on developing a positive behaviour culture, which has relationships at its heart. This has resulted in significant improvements in pupils’ attitudes to learning and a reduction over time in behavioural incidents,” Ofsted said.
Safeguarding standards were also judged to be met. “Pupils enjoy coming to this inclusive and welcoming school… Staff build positive and warm relationships with pupils.”
“Parents and carers comment positively about many aspects of the school’s work, including the visibility and presence of the headteacher, the approachable and helpful staff and the school’s nurturing and supportive culture. “
Mrs Wilson said she had the support of the governing body, the Clifton Diocese, and South Gloucestershire Council
“I am absolutely committed to Our Lady of Lourdes and to every child in our care. I know exactly what needs to be done, the work is already under way, and I will continue to build on the strong foundations we have established. Our children deserve the very best education, and I am determined to deliver it. I am here for the journey to further improvement,” she said.
The full report can be found online at https://shorturl.at/fmyv5