Old Hutton Church of England School in Kendal, Cumbria, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 20 and 21, 2024. The school is known for its positive environment where pupils, including those in early years, arrive eager to learn and engage with their peers. The school has established a strong reputation among parents and carers, who hold it in high regard. The institution is ambitious for all its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and most students achieve well across the curriculum. The school’s motto, “learning for life in all its fullness,” resonates with the pupils, who demonstrate confidence in their interactions.
Pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and during social times, moving around the school sensibly. They appreciate the support from adults in resolving minor conflicts and enjoy mentoring younger students, particularly through shared reading activities. The school offers enriching experiences through trips that enhance the curriculum, utilizing the local area for activities such as climbing and water sports. A variety of clubs, including dance and coding, are available, and pupils actively contribute to the community through fundraising events.
The school has developed well-structured subject curriculums that ensure a broad education for pupils. Teachers routinely assess pupils' understanding before introducing new concepts, which supports effective learning. However, some subjects have seen recent curriculum changes, leading to occasional inconsistencies in delivery among staff. This has sometimes affected the depth of learning for some pupils. Data from 2023 indicated low progress in mathematics, but this does not reflect the current strength of the revised curriculum, which is helping pupils to improve.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with high-quality texts provided to early years children that align with their interests. Older pupils express enthusiasm for their reading materials, which are carefully selected to broaden their experiences and facilitate discussions on important topics such as diversity. The reading curriculum is effective, with early years children learning sounds and rhymes that support their reading development. However, inconsistencies in the delivery of some aspects of the reading curriculum have resulted in some pupils not achieving their full reading potential.
The school effectively utilizes its location to enhance learning, with staff providing opportunities for children to explore the natural environment. Visiting speakers are invited to inspire pupils about their future aspirations. The school accurately identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and makes appropriate adaptations to ensure they can access the curriculum alongside their peers. Staff encourage full engagement from these pupils in all school activities.
Pupils meet the high expectations for behavior set by the school, with staff addressing any minor issues promptly. The school has successfully collaborated with parents to improve attendance rates. Pupils understand the importance of British values and appreciate their responsibilities, such as promoting reading as reading ambassadors.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, ensuring staff receive the necessary support to perform their roles effectively. Staff feel valued and enjoy their work environment. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe learning environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, it must ensure consistent curriculum delivery across all subjects to maximize pupil progress.
