Middlefield Primary Academy, located in Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, has been rated as an outstanding school following its inspection in June 2014. The leadership and management of the school are exemplary, with the headteacher demonstrating a clear vision for effective learning. This vision is reflected in a diverse and practical curriculum that enables pupils to make rapid progress. In 2014, significant improvements were noted in the rates of progress, particularly in Key Stage 2, with nearly all pupils achieving exceptionally well. The school’s attainment levels in reading, writing, and mathematics are well above average.
The quality of teaching at Middlefield Primary Academy is outstanding. Teachers plan lessons that challenge all pupils, including the most able, and provide excellent support through teaching assistants, ensuring that disabled pupils and those with special educational needs also make rapid progress. Attendance rates have improved and are now above average, which reflects the positive attitudes of pupils and the high expectations set by the school for regular attendance.
Behaviour at the school is exemplary, with pupils demonstrating mutual respect, tolerance, and kindness. The school’s values are evident in the harmonious relationships among pupils and staff. Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil achievement, and while children in the Reception class make good progress, there is room for improvement in ensuring they reach their full potential compared to older pupils.
Specialist teaching in subjects such as music, dance, art, and physical education, along with various educational visits, enriches the learning experience. The headteacher is recognized as an inspirational leader, fostering a strong team spirit among staff and promoting high-quality teaching across the school. The school has successfully developed pupils' communication, literacy, and numeracy skills, although there is a need to cultivate a greater love for literature and reading among pupils.
The inspection team observed numerous lessons and engaged with pupils across all year groups, gathering insights from formal meetings and informal discussions. They also reviewed a range of school documents, including progress data and safeguarding records. The school is smaller than average, with a diverse pupil population, and it converted to academy status in 2012. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs is above the national average, while the number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is below average.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance pupils' love for reading by increasing access to a wider range of books and working closely with parents to support reading at home. Additionally, the school seeks to secure outstanding progress for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage by providing more opportunities for exploration and investigation.
Overall, Middlefield Primary Academy is a highly effective institution that delivers exceptional educational outcomes for its pupils. The commitment of the staff, the strong leadership, and the supportive governance contribute to a positive learning environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. The school’s focus on continuous improvement and high standards ensures that it remains a place where pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
