Cotham Gardens Primary School has begun the new school year brightly with a positive Ofsted report and an improved outside area at its infant block.
Decking at the Elmgrove site was replaced over the summer after the original construction had proved inadequate.
Chris Seaton, chief executive of the
academy trust that runs the school, said: “We are so delighted that the children can once again enjoy the full benefits of outside play at Elmgrove. The new decking lifts the whole site.
“This part of the site is now in a better condition than when it opened 10 years ago, an achievement that required a great team effort from my colleagues in school as well as partners in Bristol City Council. We are grateful to them all.”
Cotham Gardens has become a one-form entry school this year. Just before the end of the last academic year, the school received a second monitoring visit from Ofsted following its last full inspection in December 2024. The visit report has just been published, and it makes encouraging remarks about all the main areas of the school.
The inspectors praised efforts to improve reading, noting that “better resources, staff training and consistent approaches to teaching” had resulted in phonics and early reading becoming a recognised strength of the school.
Ofsted also highlighted a culture of belonging at Cotham Gardens, leading to attendance levels above national averages.
Head of school Emmeline Smith said: “We are so pleased that this report reflects the commitment of our staff, pupils, trustees and families to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and inspired to succeed.
“While we remain ambitious for further improvement, we are proud of the strong progress being made and excited about the journey ahead.”