Kingsclere Church of England Primary School, located in Newbury, Berkshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection in January 2019. The leadership team, including the headteacher, senior leaders, and governors, demonstrate a strong commitment to the school’s vision and improvement. Their self-evaluation is accurate, reflecting a deep understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. The curriculum is engaging and diverse, allowing pupils to apply their skills in mathematics and English across various subjects. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, enhancing the educational experience through trips, visitors, and after-school clubs.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with pupils aware of how to maintain their safety. The staff are attentive to any concerns raised by students and families, ensuring appropriate support is provided. The early years provision is strong, with children in Reception making significant progress and being well-prepared for Year 1. The school fosters a caring environment where pupils support one another, and instances of bullying are rare. While most pupils behave well, some boys can be easily distracted during lessons, which occasionally impacts their learning.
Parents generally express positive views about the school, noting that their children feel happy and safe. However, some parents believe that concerns could be addressed more promptly. Pupils show strong progress in key stage 1, but in key stage 2, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in mathematics, where some pupils do not reach their full potential.
To enhance teaching and learning, the school aims to support easily distracted boys to achieve their capabilities. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that more pupils attain higher standards in mathematics, particularly in Years 5 and 6, by providing opportunities for deeper learning. The leadership team is ambitious and has effectively managed recent staffing changes, maintaining strong leadership during this transition.
Governors are actively involved in the school’s strategic direction, providing a balance of challenge and support. They are well-informed about the school’s performance and are committed to improving outcomes for all pupils. The school’s curriculum is designed to promote pupils’ well-being, with a focus on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education. Pupils learn about different cultures and faiths, fostering tolerance and understanding.
The quality of teaching is generally good, with teachers using a variety of resources to support learning. Phonics instruction is particularly effective, enabling pupils to tackle unfamiliar words confidently. Pupils with special educational needs receive tailored support, ensuring they are fully integrated into lessons. However, there is a need for more consistent challenges to help all pupils, especially boys, reach high standards.
Pupils demonstrate a love for reading and are encouraged to read widely. Their performance in phonics and key stage assessments is above national averages, indicating strong progress. The early years provision has improved, with children developing positive attitudes towards learning and showing curiosity. Overall, Kingsclere Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and effective learning environment, with clear areas identified for further improvement to enhance pupil outcomes.
