Northborough Primary School, located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on January 23 and 24, 2024. The interim headteacher, Lindsey Boucher, leads the school, which is part of the Soke Education Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Cathy Carlisle and a board of trustees chaired by Claire Spooner. The school has a strong community feel, with pupils expressing pride in their school environment. They report feeling happy and well cared for, with access to a variety of extracurricular activities. Pupils feel comfortable approaching staff with any concerns, highlighting the supportive atmosphere fostered by the school.
The curriculum at Northborough Primary School is ambitious, with high expectations for pupil learning. Teachers effectively challenge students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve well. Pupils take pride in their work and actively engage with the local community through various activities, including sports competitions and charity fundraising. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating politeness and courtesy. Older students take responsibility for younger ones, contributing to a nurturing environment that parents appreciate.
The school excels in delivering a well-structured curriculum, particularly in mathematics and reading. Teachers are skilled in explaining concepts and encouraging deeper thinking through thoughtful questioning. The phonics curriculum is prioritized, starting early in Reception and carefully sequenced to support pupil development. Staff are attentive to pupils' reading needs, providing additional support where necessary to ensure all students can progress.
While the school performs well in many areas, there are some subjects where teachers are still adapting to new curriculum plans. In these instances, pupils may not have enough opportunities to revisit and embed key concepts, which can hinder their learning. The school is aware of this and is working to ensure that the curriculum is fully integrated across all subjects, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding.
The early years curriculum is well-planned, providing children with a range of engaging activities that promote their development. Children in Reception show good concentration and resilience, which continues as they progress through the school. The personal, social, and health education curriculum effectively teaches pupils about safety, health, and democratic values. Pupils participate in various responsibilities, including environmental initiatives that encourage sustainability.
The Soke Education Trust provides valuable support to school leaders, with governors actively involved in monitoring progress. Staff report positively on the professional development opportunities available to them, appreciating the consideration given to their workload. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
Overall, Northborough Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school is focused on addressing areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects are fully embedded in the curriculum. The positive feedback from pupils, parents, and staff reflects the school's dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and continue to enhance the educational experience for all its students.
