Ringstead Church of England Primary School, located in Kettering, Northamptonshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on March 26 and 27, 2024. The headteacher, Helen Roberts, leads the school, which is part of the Peterborough Diocese Education Trust. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils feel known and valued as individuals. Many students express a deep connection to the school, indicating that they will miss it upon leaving. Parents and carers echo these sentiments, praising the approachable and friendly nature of the staff.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils achieve well, with early years children receiving a strong start. Throughout their time at the school, students develop confidence and embody the school’s values of honesty, compassion, and perseverance. Positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a respectful and safe environment.
Ringstead Primary offers numerous opportunities for pupils to enhance their social skills and understand the relevance of their learning beyond the classroom. Students participate in visits to various locations, including places of worship and historical sites, and engage in leadership roles such as house captains and worship leaders. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to equip pupils with the necessary knowledge and skills for their future endeavors. The school actively incorporates pupils' interests into the curriculum, ensuring that it remains engaging without sacrificing essential knowledge.
Staff members demonstrate a strong understanding of the subjects they teach, effectively communicating important concepts to pupils. Regular assessments help teachers gauge pupils' understanding, and students often articulate their learning confidently. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in providing opportunities for pupils to deepen their understanding of more complex aspects of their subjects. For instance, some students struggle with problem-solving in mathematics and understanding historical perspectives.
In the early years, children build their knowledge and language skills effectively, recalling experiences and describing features of their learning environment. The school prioritizes reading, with staff trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills. Those requiring additional help receive tailored support, and parents are encouraged to participate in reading initiatives.
Pupils with special educational needs receive personalized support while studying the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers adapt lessons to ensure that these students are not overwhelmed, fostering an inclusive learning environment. Overall, pupils exhibit good behavior, take pride in their work, and have shown significant improvement in attendance due to effective strategies implemented by the school.
The school also focuses on personal development, with pupils engaging in discussions about current affairs and learning about various world faiths. While staff enjoy a collaborative working environment and receive ongoing training, there is a need for the school to enhance opportunities for pupils to engage in complex thinking across subjects. This includes developing their problem-solving skills in mathematics and understanding historical analysis.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and with targeted efforts to deepen pupils' understanding of their subjects, Ringstead Church of England Primary School is well-positioned to maintain its good standing and further enhance the educational experience it offers.
