Kingham Primary School in Oxfordshire has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school has maintained a strong reputation since its last inspection, which was 14 years ago when it was rated outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education, with particular strengths noted in behavior, attitudes, personal development, and early years provision, all of which were rated outstanding.
Pupils at Kingham Primary School thrive in a vibrant environment where they take pride in being part of the school community. The school sets high expectations, and most pupils achieve well, demonstrating hard work and a positive attitude towards their education. The exceptional personal development of pupils is a key feature, with the school’s values of kindness, tolerance, and honesty helping to foster a strong moral framework. Enrichment opportunities abound, with activities ranging from music and drama to sports and gardening, allowing pupils to showcase their diverse talents.
Leadership and management are rated as good, with leaders, staff, and governors taking pride in the school’s strengths. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, aiming to inspire pupils to learn and achieve their best. While achievement at the end of key stage two is very high, there are areas where consistency in achievement across the school could be improved. Early years provision is particularly strong, with high-quality teaching and engaging activities that promote communication and language skills effectively.
The school has made strides in improving its reading curriculum, providing numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with quality texts. However, there are inconsistencies in the support for pupils in key stage one who have fallen behind in reading, which poses a risk of further setbacks. Additionally, some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, exhibit weaknesses in handwriting, indicating a need for more targeted support.
Teaching is generally strong, with staff planning engaging activities that promote learning and regularly checking pupils’ understanding. The school effectively supports pupils who require help in managing their emotions, and behavior incidents are infrequent and handled appropriately. However, record-keeping in some areas, including behavior, is not robust enough, limiting leaders' ability to identify trends and make informed decisions.
Kingham Primary School prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, promoting understanding of different faiths and customs, equality, and democratic processes. The governing body is effective, ensuring that key aspects of the school, such as safeguarding, are regularly reviewed. Staff express high levels of job satisfaction, appreciating the support and professional development opportunities provided by leaders. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school, highlighting the quality of education and care their children receive.
To improve, the school needs to address the inconsistencies in support for pupils who are struggling with reading and writing, particularly in key stage one. Strengthening record-keeping and strategic analysis of important aspects of the school’s work will also enhance decision-making and the ability to identify patterns over time. Overall, Kingham Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, with a clear path for continued improvement.
