A primary school in Orpington which has the motto of “a small school with a big heart” has been praised for its welcoming atmosphere, strong sense of community, and ambitious vision for its pupils.

Pratts Bottom Primary School, which has a catchment area of over six miles, had its exceptional standards highlighted in a glowing Ofsted report published following the inspection on September 24 and 25, 2024.

The school was rated Good overall, with inspectors awarding Outstanding grades for behaviour, personal development, leadership, and its early years provision.

The report paints a picture of a school where children are not only happy and safe but also engaged in their learning.

Inspectors noted the harmonious relationships between younger and older pupils, who mix freely and support one another, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Classrooms are focused spaces where learning is taken seriously and pupils are eager to succeed.

Headteacher Abigail Carter, who leads the school with the support of the South Orpington Learning Alliance (SOLA), was commended for her “relentless” drive to improve along with the schools leadership team.

Over the past year, the school has introduced a brand-new curriculum, designed to meet the needs of every pupil while reflecting the school’s values of kindness, unity, and sustainability.

According to the report it is already making a difference, but because it’s still new, some elements are yet to fully take root.

Inspectors noted that staff are dedicated to delivering this ambitious curriculum, especially for children in the early years, where the youngest pupils are getting off to a flying start.

Phonics and early reading are also stand-out strengths, with skilled staff ensuring pupils become confident readers.

While teachers regularly check pupils’ understanding, there are occasions when misconceptions or errors in learning are not promptly identified or addressed.

Strengthening staff expertise in assessments would help ensure that pupils’ progress is accurately monitored and any gaps in understanding are swiftly corrected.

However, one of the standout features of Pratts Bottom Primary is its focus on personal development.

The school goes above and beyond to offer pupils meaningful opportunities to grow as individuals and contribute to their community.

From running the school tuck shop to acting as buddies for Reception pupils, children are encouraged to take on leadership roles that instil a sense of responsibility.

Enrichment activities, including trips, musical tuition, and a unique “children’s university” initiative, ensure that every child can explore their interests and talents.

Inspectors noted that pupils celebrate diversity and treat everyone with kindness, reflecting the school’s inclusive ethos.

Pratts Bottom Primary is a place where children can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

A spokesperson for the school said: "We are thrilled with the results of our most recent inspection. The report, which highlights the remarkable progress and achievements within our school, is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team, as well as the wonderful pupils who continue to make us proud every day. 

"Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s their curiosity, enthusiasm, and resilience that inspire us to keep pushing boundaries.

"We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to building on this success as we continue to grow and evolve.

"While we celebrate this significant achievement, we remain focused on our mission to provide the best possible education for every child.

"This inspection result is just one of many milestones that reflect the dedication of our entire school community to excellence in education."