Kensington Primary School in Liverpool has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 20 and 21 March 2024. The school is recognized for its effective leadership and management, quality of education, and positive behavior and attitudes among pupils. The school community is described as happy and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on valuing diversity. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, report strong relationships with staff and a supportive learning environment.
The school sets high expectations for pupil achievement, and most students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, perform well academically. Pupils are engaged and attentive during lessons, demonstrating enthusiasm for their learning. They are well-prepared for the next stages of their education, showcasing high-quality work and a willingness to discuss their learning experiences.
Pupils exhibit friendly and polite behavior, respecting one another and addressing incidents of misbehavior or bullying promptly and effectively. The school has implemented successful strategies to improve attendance, resulting in generally good attendance rates among pupils. The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils develop a solid foundation of knowledge across various subjects. However, the school acknowledges that the performance of some pupils in reading and mathematics at the end of Year 2 and Year 6 was below the national average, partly due to a high number of pupils joining at different stages.
Staff receive high-quality training to enhance their teaching practices, although there are instances where some activities do not fully support deep learning of the curriculum content. Staff are skilled at identifying misconceptions and use established assessment methods to ensure pupils understand concepts before introducing new material. In the early years, staff focus on developing communication and language skills, preparing children for future learning.
The school prioritizes early reading instruction, with staff well-trained to deliver an effective phonics program. Pupils practice reading with appropriately matched books, and those struggling receive additional support to help them catch up. The school fosters a love for reading, with younger children enjoying storytime and older pupils expressing excitement about their favorite books and authors.
Kensington Primary School has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with additional needs, working closely with parents and external agencies to provide necessary adaptations in the curriculum. While most pupils behave well, there are occasional instances of disruptive behavior that can interrupt learning. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities that contribute to pupils' personal development, encouraging them to celebrate diversity and support one another.
Governors are committed to the school's improvement and hold the leadership accountable for educational quality. Staff express satisfaction with the consideration given to their workload and well-being, particularly regarding feedback processes. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that all staff consistently implement the behavior policy and select activities that deepen pupils' understanding of the curriculum. By addressing these areas, Kensington Primary School can continue to enhance its educational provision and support for all pupils.
