Kennett Primary School, located in Newmarket, Suffolk, continues to be recognized as a good school following its recent inspection. The headteacher, Scott Horsley, leads the school, which is part of the Staploe Education Trust. This trust is overseen by Dr. Carin Taylor, the chief executive officer, and a board of trustees chaired by Simon Wright. The school has a strong community atmosphere where pupils thrive and enjoy their learning experiences. The school promotes its values, known as ‘KennettCAN!’ which encourages students to try hard, aim high, and behave kindly.
Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for their education, responding positively to the high expectations set by their teachers. Even the youngest learners in the early years show eagerness to engage and learn. Older students exhibit mature attitudes towards their studies, resulting in high-quality work and overall good achievement. The school environment fosters good behavior, and students feel safe. Those requiring additional support for behavior management receive appropriate assistance, helping them navigate their emotions effectively. The culture of respect and consideration is evident from preschool, where children learn essential social skills such as sharing and inclusion.
The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement and raising standards within a nurturing environment. They actively seek feedback from staff and the community, ensuring that changes are manageable and supportive of staff workload. This collaborative approach fosters effective teamwork and a shared vision for the school’s development. The curriculum is ambitious and thoughtfully organized, allowing for progress as pupils advance through mixed-age classes. Learning begins early and builds incrementally, enabling students to articulate their ideas and develop critical thinking skills.
Teachers effectively use assessments to monitor understanding and implement tailored interventions for any misconceptions. However, there are instances where some pupils do not receive sufficient opportunities to deepen their knowledge before progressing to new concepts, which can lead to gaps in understanding. Despite this, most pupils make strong progress over time.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support, with adults fostering positive relationships that build confidence and understanding. The school’s approach to teaching reading is well-structured, with regular phonics practice and appropriate resources. While most pupils develop strong reading skills, there are inconsistencies in vocabulary instruction that can affect some students' writing quality.
Attendance is emphasized as crucial for learning and well-being, and the school maintains a calm and inclusive atmosphere during break times. Older pupils take on leadership roles, helping younger students engage in activities. The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including trips and activities that enrich the curriculum. Leaders have designed the curriculum with pupils' views in mind, ensuring it is relevant and engaging.
The safeguarding arrangements at Kennett Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in providing consistent opportunities for pupils to apply their learning in depth and ensuring that vocabulary instruction is clear and effective. Addressing these areas will further enhance the quality of education provided. Overall, Kennett Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and achieving high standards for its pupils.