Kings Priory School, located in Tynemouth, North Shields, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 26 and 27, 2024. The principal, Philip Sanderson, leads the school, which is part of the Woodards Academies Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Mike Pettifer and a board of trustees chaired by Sally Pelham. The school is known for its high academic standards and ambition for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The number of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate in key stage four exceeds the national average, demonstrating the school's commitment to academic excellence from early years through to sixth form.
Pupil behavior across all key stages is generally very good, with a safe environment fostered within the school. While instances of bullying do occur, most pupils express trust in the staff to handle such issues effectively. The school promotes positive attitudes towards learning and peer interactions. Students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and music, as well as clubs like computing, debating, and chess. During the inspection, many pupils were engaged in various activities, including a Duke of Edinburgh expedition and a school production of Grease.
The curriculum at Kings Priory School is ambitious and academic, with a clear focus on essential knowledge and skills for each key stage. The breadth of the curriculum is notable, particularly in key stage four, where pupils often study beyond the requirements for GCSEs. For instance, in English, additional Shakespearean works are included to enhance genre appreciation. The sequencing of learning is designed to build knowledge over time, ensuring effective teaching across all phases of education.
The school has made significant strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs, with clear communication of individual needs to teachers through support plans. This has resulted in high engagement levels among these pupils, who access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Reading is prioritized, with phonics instruction starting in Reception and tailored reading materials provided to match pupils' phonics knowledge. Staff training has enhanced the delivery of phonics, and support is available for those who struggle with reading.
Early years provision is effective, with well-established routines and a nurturing environment that encourages independence and communication skills. By the end of Reception, most children are prepared for Year 1. The school's behavior policy is well understood, with primary phase pupils exhibiting particularly strong behavior. While most secondary phase pupils also behave well, a small number do not engage as positively in lessons.
The personal development curriculum is comprehensive, covering personal, social, and health education, and ensuring pupils understand online safety. Sixth form students receive robust support for university applications, and the school emphasizes respect and tolerance. However, some secondary phase pupils have not consistently demonstrated respect for all protected characteristics, leading to discomfort among peers.
The local academy council and trustees are actively involved in the school's operations, regularly visiting to ensure quality assurance. Staff express satisfaction with their work environment and the support provided by leaders, particularly regarding workload management. The school has implemented a feedback-focused policy to reduce marking burdens.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing behavior systems to promote consistency and respect among all pupils, addressing the issues faced by those who feel uncomfortable due to the behavior of others. Overall, Kings Priory School continues to provide a strong educational experience for its students.
