‘The school is ambitious for pupils to achieve well!’ Good ratings for Kirton Primary after change in leadership

A primary school where ‘a wide range of experiences are available to enjoy’ has been found to be ‘good’ in all aspects.

Relationships are ‘respectful and positive’ at Kirton Primary School, according to an Ofsted inspection published on May 9, which also states ‘pupils are at the heart of this caring school’.

“Pupils hold staff in high regard. They say teachers are kind and help them to learn new things,” the report stated.

“The school is ambitious for pupils to achieve well, and many pupils rise to the adults’ high expectations.

“There are also high expectations of behaviour, to which pupils respond well. Classrooms are calm and purposeful.

“On occasion, when pupils struggle to meet the school’s expectations of behaviour, they are well supported.”

The report continued: “Pupils have opportunities to lead. They take these roles seriously and are extremely proud of them.

“For example, some take on the role of staff in the school’s ‘parliament bank’, shop and café where pupils can spend their well-earned ‘kirts’ on various items.

“A wide range of experiences are available for pupils to enjoy. Pupils participate in many sporting competitions, and the school is proud to be the girls’ kwik cricket champions for three years running.”

Inspectors rated the school ‘good’ in five categories; quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

This was the school’s first inspection since Marc Neall replaced former headteacher Nicky Donley last July.

It previously rated ‘good’ before overall effectiveness ratings were scrapped by Ofsted.

“Since changes to the leadership team in September 2024, the school has set about making changes to the curriculum,” the report noted.

“The school has developed a well-thought-out and carefully planned curriculum, particularly in English and mathematics.

“Mathematics is a particular strength of the school. Staff take time to explain concepts clearly and model learning for pupils. This helps pupils to grasp new ideas quickly.”

The report also stated ‘the school is ambitious for all pupils to develop a love of reading’ and that ‘the school is in the process of developing the wider curriculum’.

Following the visit on April 1-2, inspectors also highlighted where the school - which has 541 pupils on roll - can improve.

“The knowledge that pupils should learn in a few foundation subjects is not yet fully identified or sequenced across the curriculum,” the report continued.

“Staff are not always clear about exactly what pupils need to learn and when.

“Pupils cannot always connect new learning to previous learning. The school should identify the most important content that it wants pupils to learn and when in all subjects.”