The Kimberley School, located in Nottinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 28 and 29, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express pride in their achievements and feel safe. The ethos of the school is encapsulated in the ‘Kimberley Way,’ which emphasizes respect for oneself and others. Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for all students and have developed an ambitious curriculum that allows for a diverse range of subjects. In addition to academic offerings, the school provides various extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which enrich the student experience.
Students appreciate the supportive relationships they have with their teachers, who are described as kind and approachable. The pastoral systems in place are strong, ensuring that pupils know they can seek help when needed. The recent introduction of a new behavior system is beginning to yield positive results, although some low-level disruptions in lessons still occur. Teachers are generally effective in managing these disruptions and addressing instances of bullying when they arise.
The school’s curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. Subject leaders possess expert knowledge and ensure that learning is ordered effectively. While some teachers check for understanding during lessons, there is inconsistency in how misconceptions are addressed. Leaders have yet to establish a uniform approach to assessment, which has led to some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, not fully accessing the curriculum.
In the sixth form, teachers also demonstrate strong subject knowledge, encouraging students to extend their learning beyond the curriculum. The school promotes a love of reading, with regular library use and initiatives to expose pupils to various authors and genres. However, not all students receive adequate support to develop their reading fluency and accuracy as they progress through the school.
The new behavior policy is showing promise, with low-level disruptions being addressed swiftly. However, leaders need to better identify patterns in behavior concerns to enhance their support for students. The personal development curriculum is appropriate, covering various societal issues, and older pupils receive guidance on their next steps, including university applications.
The school collaborates with trust advisers for improvement and benefits from a skilled local governing body that effectively challenges school leaders. Staff report feeling well-supported regarding their workload and well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders identifying pupils in need of support and working with external agencies to ensure their welfare.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas for improvement. Not all pupils with special educational needs access the full curriculum, which hinders their knowledge development. Leaders must continue to support teachers in meeting the needs of all learners consistently. Additionally, the evaluation of the new behavior systems needs to be strengthened to identify and address behavioral trends effectively. Teachers should also ensure they check pupils’ understanding before progressing in lessons to prevent gaps in learning. Overall, The Kimberley School continues to provide a good education, with a commitment to improvement and a supportive environment for its pupils.
