Following an inspection in October 2024 Ofsted has graded St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Portbury as Outstanding for Behaviour and Attitudes and Good in the other four inspection areas.

The inspection was conducted under the new Ofsted framework in which single word judgements for overall effectiveness are no longer awarded.

Inspectors commented that “pupils love coming to school. Teachers expect pupils to achieve well in their lessons and relationships between staff and pupils are strong”.

They also noted the children “display exceptional manners around school and ensure that everyone is listened to” and enjoy an “ambitious curriculum”.

Headteacher, Miss Amy Townsend, was overjoyed with the report’s findings, "I am so proud of our school and the high aspirations that we have as a team for the children. It is wonderful to see that the inspectors recognised what a happy place St Mary's is and have celebrated the strong relationships that we have built as a school community and beyond."

Following the publication of Ofsted’s report, Dr Gary Lewis, Chief Executive of Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) said, “This report reflects the hard work and dedication of all the staff at the school to ensure a safe, friendly and inspiring learning environment for the children. The inspection highlights the school’s strengths and I am pleased that the partnership between the school and trust is recognised to be working well to ensure support and development for both our pupils and our staff.”