Alexandra Primary School, located in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas of assessment. This includes the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Alexandra Primary School express a strong sense of pride in their school, describing the staff as kind and supportive. The school actively seeks the opinions of its students, allowing them to participate in initiatives such as the ‘Rights Knights,’ where they represent their peers. The high expectations set by the staff are well understood and consistently followed by the students, contributing to a positive school culture.
The environment at Alexandra Primary School is one where pupils feel safe and happy. They develop respectful relationships with their peers and staff, thriving in a caring atmosphere that fosters a commitment to learning. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including skateboarding, chess, drama, and football, ensuring accessibility for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils particularly enjoy the various school trips organized by the staff, which enhance their learning experiences. For instance, residential trips for Year 5 and 6 students help them confront their fears and build confidence. Visits to local attractions such as farms, Hampton Court Palace, and participation in events like the Dragon Boat Race are highlighted as memorable experiences.
The school’s leadership has developed an aspirational curriculum that extends beyond the basic knowledge and skills required. Staff training is prioritized, enabling teachers to deliver all subjects with confidence. Regular assessments of pupils’ prior knowledge allow for effective building on their learning, ensuring they are well-prepared for future content. In the early years, staff skillfully enhance children’s knowledge across various learning areas.
Teachers at Alexandra Primary School demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present material clearly. They employ effective strategies to develop pupils’ vocabulary, as seen in mathematics where students articulate their methods accurately. The curriculum is well-structured, with a focus on deepening subject-specific understanding. Leaders maintain rigorous oversight of all subjects, ensuring high standards are met.
Reading is a top priority at the school, with staff consistently teaching phonics effectively. Teachers support confident readers while providing targeted assistance to those who may struggle, ensuring that all pupils can catch up with their peers. The promotion of a love for reading is evident, with carefully selected books that engage and inspire students.
Behavior in lessons is exceptional, with any deviations from expected conduct addressed promptly. The school environment is orderly, allowing pupils to concentrate effectively. This positive behavior culture begins in the early years, where children learn to follow routines and instructions, fostering their confidence and independence.
The school goes beyond expectations to provide enriching experiences linked to the curriculum. Each year group visits a different place of worship annually, promoting respect and tolerance for diverse faiths and beliefs. Pupils also gain a strong understanding of physical and mental health, learning about healthy relationships and consent in an age-appropriate manner.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, ensuring they can access the full curriculum through appropriate adaptations. The school has established rigorous identification processes for these pupils and collaborates effectively with external professionals to maintain high standards of support.
Leaders and governors at Alexandra Primary School are highly aspirational for all students, continuously reflecting on their practices to drive improvement. Staff express overwhelming positivity about their work environment, noting the caring and approachable nature of the leadership, which has made adjustments to manage workloads effectively.
Parents share a similarly positive view of the school and the education their children receive. Governors are well-informed about the school and provide appropriate challenges and support to the leadership team. Overall, Alexandra Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, creating a nurturing and effective learning environment for all its pupils.
