By Isle of Wight Observer
Gurnard Primary School in Cowes has received an impressive Ofsted report following an inspection in February.
The school earned outstanding grades in Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, and Early Years Provision, with the quality of education, as well as Leadership and Management, rated as good.
The report highlights a vibrant, inclusive environment where “everybody is welcome” and pupils feel safe and respected. Inspectors commended the school for fostering kindness and instilling high behavioural standards, describing pupils as “polite, well-mannered, and attentive.”
Early Years provision was deemed exceptional, with inspectors noting that children start their education in an environment full of care and ambition. Gurnard Primary’s curriculum was praised as broad and ambitious, designed to support all students, including those with special educational needs. The inspectors also observed that “pupils are extremely happy and proud to attend Gurnard Primary” and that “pupils’ behaviour throughout the school is exemplary.”
The report noted that, in some subjects, checks on pupils’ understanding could be more robust to help build knowledge more effectively over time.
Headteacher, Clemma Yardley, who joined the school in 2022, has been praised for her vision and leadership, with governors described as proactive and supportive. She described the report as a result of the hard work of the entire school community and that staff were already working on the single development point highlighted. She added: “I am so incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far, but also very excited about the future. We aim to build on our many strengths and make Gurnard Primary an even more fantastic place to be.
“This report is a testament to our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, alongside our focus on high-quality education.”
The report can be read at iw.observer/gurnard-ofsted.