Farrington Gurney Church of England Primary School has been described by inspectors as “a place where all can flourish, find fulfilment and live life in all its fullness.” A recent Ofsted ungraded inspection, conducted on April 29, commended the school’s strong leadership, nurturing ethos, and academic ambition.
Located in the village of Farrington Gurney, Bristol, the school serves 92 pupils aged 4 to 11. It operates under the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, led by Head of School Catrin Geeson and executive headteacher Dan Turull, within a trust overseen by CEO Alun Williams and chaired by Tony Wells.
Inspectors highlighted the deeply supportive culture throughout the school. Pupils are “happy, safe and well supported,” benefiting from staff dedicated to ensuring every child thrives. The school’s determination to prepare pupils thoroughly for secondary education and beyond was clearly evident, as was the pupils’ strong achievement.
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Behavior among pupils was described as calm and respectful, contributing to a positive school atmosphere. High attendance rates reflect their enthusiasm for school, and warm staff-pupil relationships create an environment where students feel valued and confident to seek help whenever needed.
Leadership opportunities flourish within the school community. Older students act as ‘zone leaders’ supporting younger peers, while members of the Farrington Forum organise charitable events. This approach inspires pupils by entrusting them with responsibility and fostering a sense of pride.
The curriculum has been thoughtfully updated to offer a broad and ambitious learning experience. Careful planning ensures pupils acquire the essential knowledge and skills they need. While inspectors praised strong teaching and continuous assessment in many subjects, they noted that assessment methods sometimes fail to fully identify gaps in learning, which occasionally slows progress for some pupils. Additionally, the curriculum pacing could be improved to challenge advanced learners more consistently.
Early years provision received particular acclaim. Children in Reception settle in well, with a curriculum designed to build foundational skills and knowledge for future learning. Reading is a high priority, with phonics teaching beginning promptly, and targeted support helping pupils who fall behind to catch up quickly.
The school has also adapted effectively to an increase in pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Staff understand individual barriers to learning and provide tailored support, resulting in positive outcomes for these pupils.
The behaviour policy, developed collaboratively with the school community, promotes clear school rules and good conduct. Though occasional distractions occur, they do not disrupt learning. The school’s commitment to maintaining high attendance is supported through strong family engagement.
Beyond academics, the school ensures pupils grow as well-rounded individuals. Students develop an understanding of British values and actively participate in democratic processes through the Farrington Forum. A variety of extracurricular clubs, including netball and athletics, supports pupils’ physical well-being and interests.
Governance and trust-level oversight are effective, with robust monitoring and quality assurance ensuring that the school delivers a positive educational experience for all pupils.
Safeguarding arrangements are well managed, and staff wellbeing initiatives are in place to support workload management.
While the report identified areas for development—especially enhancing assessment practices and accelerating progress for the most able—the overall assessment of Farrington Gurney is one of sustained strength and success.
Executive Headteacher Dan Turull commented, “We are proud of the report’s recognition of our caring and ambitious environment. The inspectors acknowledged our vision that every child can flourish and be prepared for secondary school and beyond. We are now focused on improving assessment and providing more complex learning opportunities for those ready to advance further.”
He also celebrated the school’s recent achievement of the School Sports Gold Mark for 2024/2025, recognising its commitment to participation, competition, workforce, and clubs.