The Kilburn Park School Foundation is a welcoming and inclusive educational institution located in London. The school fosters a calm and purposeful atmosphere where pupils feel valued and cared for. High attendance rates reflect the enjoyment students experience while attending. Pupils describe the school as a small family, and both students and parents express satisfaction with the supportive environment. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with respect shown towards peers and staff. Instances of bullying are rare, and students feel confident that their concerns will be addressed by the leadership team. Older students take on responsibilities, including assisting younger peers, which contributes to a sense of community.
The leadership and staff at Kilburn Park School have high expectations for all pupils and are committed to providing a broad and engaging curriculum. Pupils demonstrate strong listening and concentration skills during lessons, which contributes to their overall learning and achievement. The school effectively prepares students for future challenges. Pupils enjoy a variety of subjects and extracurricular activities, including sports and music, which help to keep them active and engaged.
The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that supports pupils in achieving well across all subjects. All students, including those in Year 6, are exposed to a full range of subjects typical of primary education. The curriculum is well-structured in key areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, and science, with specialists in physical education and music enhancing the quality of instruction. However, there are areas, particularly in computing and geography, where the curriculum needs further development to build on pupils' knowledge and understanding. Staff training is necessary to ensure that all subjects are taught effectively.
Reading is a priority at Kilburn Park School, and improvements in phonics instruction have led to rapid progress for pupils in this area. Most students receive adequate support to help them catch up with their peers. However, some pupils, particularly those at the early stages of learning English, find their reading materials too challenging. Additionally, there is a need to provide more advanced reading materials for the most capable students to further enhance their skills.
The mathematics curriculum is rigorous, enabling pupils to apply their knowledge to solve complex problems. In science, students can articulate their learning over time, demonstrating a solid understanding of concepts such as forces. The school promotes excellent behavior and attitudes among pupils, who are engaged and focused on their work. They learn about British values and show respect for diverse cultures and religions, which supports their personal and social development.
The school is committed to providing equal opportunities for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who receive appropriate support. The increasing number of pupils with limited English proficiency is effectively managed through the school's Dolphin Centre, which prepares them for integration into mainstream classes.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leadership, ensuring continuous improvement. However, there are concerns regarding teacher workload, as staff report spending excessive time on assessment tasks and feeling over-scrutinized. Leaders have established strong relationships with parents, organizing workshops to enhance engagement in areas such as reading and safeguarding.
The safeguarding arrangements at Kilburn Park School are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff receive regular training and are aware of the signs to look for regarding pupil safety. Leaders understand local risks and work collaboratively with parents and other agencies to ensure the well-being of students.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the planning and sequencing of the curriculum in certain subjects, particularly computing and geography. While reading has improved, ensuring that all pupils have access to appropriate reading materials is essential. Additionally, reducing teacher workload and managing it effectively will contribute to a more sustainable working environment for staff.