Kimbolton Primary Academy is a small village school located in Newtown, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The school has a strong emphasis on fostering respect among its pupils, teaching them to value diversity and celebrate differences. Pupils are encouraged to help others and take on responsibilities, with Year 6 students serving as prefects to set a positive example for younger students. The behavior of pupils is commendable, contributing to a calm and orderly environment that promotes safety. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel supported by staff when issues arise.
The leadership team is committed to ensuring that pupils achieve their best. They maintain high expectations, and pupils are well-prepared for secondary school by the end of Year 6. Students express enjoyment in their school experience, appreciating both their lessons and the variety of extracurricular activities available. Regular forest school sessions, clubs, and educational visits enhance the learning experience.
The school prioritizes teaching reading, viewing it as essential for overall learning. Leaders aim to instill a love of reading in pupils, creating a reading curriculum that is a strength of the school. From nursery, children begin developing phonics skills, learning to listen to sounds and engage with stories. The phonics program is structured to ensure pupils progress step by step, allowing them to read unfamiliar words and become fluent readers as they advance through the school.
Mathematics instruction is also robust, with a well-thought-out curriculum that meets the needs of mixed-age classes. Skilled staff deliver engaging lessons, leading pupils to express a love for mathematics. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with pupils retaining knowledge across subjects and enjoying discussions about their learning. However, while plans are in place for all subjects, some areas, such as history, require further development to ensure clarity in learning progression.
Teachers adapt the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of their pupils, providing necessary support for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Regular assessments help teachers identify learning gaps, allowing for tailored planning that facilitates smooth learning experiences. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities, ensuring that all pupils can participate in at least one after-school club each week. Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, many clubs have resumed, and educational trips have been reinstated, enriching the pupils' educational journey.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a comprehensive single central record of pre-appointment checks ensuring that only suitable individuals work with pupils. Staff receive regular training to address safeguarding concerns promptly. The designated safeguarding leads are experienced and knowledgeable, taking appropriate action when necessary. Both pupils and parents report feeling safe at school.
To enhance the educational experience further, the school needs to strengthen the curriculum in subjects other than English and mathematics. While the curriculum is well-developed in these areas, there is a need for clearer identification of learning journeys in other subjects. Leaders should ensure that the progression of study in all subjects is explicit and well-defined, allowing pupils to understand what they need to learn before moving on to new topics. Overall, Kimbolton Primary Academy continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on reading and mathematics, while also fostering a supportive and respectful school community.
