Ofsted Reports

“Pupils receive an exceptional education at Bishop Gilpin. It is a school that prioritises the development of the whole child. This is a joyful place to be, and the pupils are happy here.” Ofsted 2024

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I am delighted to be writing to you as Headteacher at Bishop Gilpin CofE Primary School with wonderful news. 

Following our Ofsted Inspection on the 25th and 26th June 2024, it gives me huge pride and pleasure to inform you that Bishop Gilpin retained its Outstanding grading. Click here for the full report. For context, since the new inspection framework was released in 2019, fewer than 1 in 5 schools that were previously graded outstanding have retained that status. 

Following an incredibly rigorous 2 days, in which the inspectors informed all staff that it was their job to, “Get under the skin of the school,” the inspectors agreed that this was an outstanding school. Inspectors recognised the quality of education from Nursery through to Year 6. They recognised the high expectations of each child and the support for all children, including those with special educational needs. Inspectors acknowledged the high quality curriculum, and how well it has been designed and implemented. 

The report is also a fine reflection of our children; the reason we are all here. It was recognised that the personal development of each child was at the forefront of all thinking, which supports children during their Primary school years and beyond. Ofsted also commented on the strong partnerships between our school and our community, something which we hope to continue to build on in the future. 

This is a reward for the hard work of so many people including Matt Ball, our previous Headteacher who laid the foundations for a lot of this success. Our governors, led by Jorone Taylor-Lewis, contributed significantly to the inspection. Our staff were incredible during the process but it is vital to recognise that this two day inspection is the culmination of the exceptional work that our team put in every day. I am immensely proud to lead such a committed group of people. 

Since our inspection, you may have seen in the news that Ofsted is changing its direction. School inspections carried out from next week will not receive an overall judgement and from next year, the system will change entirely. This is a very positive development for schools and school staff nationally. 

We begin this year with wonderful news but as it is clear from the Ofsted report, we remain determined to improve and develop our school with your support. This is the beginning of a new and exciting journey, not the end. I look forward to going on that journey with you. 

Kind regards, 

Matt Birch

Headteacher

Bishop Gilpin French Subject Inspection 2019

Bishop Gilpin Ofsted Report April 2013 

June 2024