Kingsbury Green Academy, located in Calne, Wiltshire, underwent an inspection on April 27 and 28, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as Good.
Pupils at Kingsbury Green Academy take pride in their school and embody its values, which emphasize courage and confidence. They are encouraged to express their opinions through a house system that fosters a sense of community and develops leadership skills. The staff maintain high expectations for students, who respond positively by demonstrating ambition for their futures. The school provides strong guidance to help pupils consider their next steps after graduation.
In the classroom, most students exhibit a positive attitude towards learning, and behavior throughout the school is calm and orderly. Respectful interactions among pupils and between pupils and adults are the norm, and instances of bullying are rare. Students feel safe and confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by the school. They also have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and opportunities for trips, such as a recent snow sports trip to Italy.
The curriculum at Kingsbury Green Academy is broad and well-structured, allowing pupils to study a diverse range of subjects, including vocational options at key stages four and five. Leaders have carefully sequenced the curriculum to enable students to build their knowledge over time. Assessment practices are effective in identifying students' strengths and areas for improvement, particularly in the sixth form, where teachers provide targeted support.
While the school adapts the curriculum to meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in some subjects, there are areas where additional support is lacking. This inconsistency can hinder the learning experience for some pupils, leading to low-level disruptions and disengagement. Leaders have recognized the importance of reading and prioritize diverse texts, with older students mentoring younger ones in reading. However, not all literacy interventions are adequately tailored to the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
The school is seeing an increase in the number of pupils studying for the English Baccalaureate, and leaders are actively encouraging the study of modern foreign languages. The personal, social, health, and economic curriculum is robust, addressing important topics such as online safety and consent. The school has adapted its curriculum in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Kingsbury Green Academy offers a comprehensive careers program, including university visits and opportunities to meet professionals, which helps prepare students for their future education and employment. The school meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, providing information about technical education and apprenticeships.
Governance at the school is strong, with trustees holding high expectations for school leaders and supporting staff well-being. Staff report feeling supported by leadership, which actively promotes professional development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Kingsbury Green Academy are effective, with regular training for staff and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns. The school maintains clear communication with parents regarding safeguarding issues.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum is consistently reviewed and adapted to support all pupils effectively. This will help all students engage with their learning and achieve success. Regular evaluations of the curriculum will be essential to meet the diverse needs of the student body.
