Kingsham Primary rises in Ofsted rankings after ‘Good’ review
PUPILS and teachers at Kingsham Primary School in Chichester are celebrating after receiving a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted.
The school was given the ‘Good’ judgement in every category by inspectors and also received the backing of parents and guardians – 90 per cent of whom stated they would recommend the school to others.
Ofsted noted that Kingsham, which is part of the University of Chichester Academy Trust, has been well-supported and made significant advances since its last inspection in 2017. They also highlighted the quality of education provided by teachers and leaders, who provide a “broad and interesting curriculum”, and praised the reception classes where the “children get off to a great start”.
Ofsted highlighted the “clear vision” of senior leaders to improve standards and commended its effect on pupils, noting that children are proud of their school, enjoy learning, and rise to staff’s expectations of them. They also stated that children enjoy reading, which was made a priority by the school after the last inspection, and inspectors stated that it is having a “positive impact” on all areas of learning.
Headteacher Hilary Faulkner, who has led the school for the last four years, said she was extremely proud of the children and the staff, and thanked the parents for their support.
She added: “This report not only shows that we are a successful and effective school it also gives recognition for the hard work undertaken by staff, pupils, and parents to transform Kingsham into the school it is today. We put our children at the very heart of everything we do – they feel safe, confident, and happy under the guidance of our staff, which has had a noticeable impact on their progression.”
Kingsham joined the University’s academy trust in 2014 where it is supported in its curriculum development and teaching by staff from the University.
Sue Samson, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy Trust, said: “Kingsham is a well-loved school that sits at the heart of its community. It is rewarding that Ofsted have recognised the individuality of the school and commitment of the staff who have developed a highly supportive learning environment that leaves a lasting impression on the pupils. I am really proud of them all.”
The Ofsted report into Kingsham, which has nearly 275 pupils, also praised the school for its work around safeguarding and, in particularly, teaching children about keeping safe inside and out of the classroom, including when using the internet.
One parent said of the ‘Good’ result: “Thoroughly deserved – the staff all work so incredibly hard to give these children the best experience in school.”
Another added: “We’ve always known the school was wonderful because we see it in our children and that is the only real test you need for a school. We are so pleased that Ofsted also now recognise every extra mile all of the staff go.”
Find out more about Kingsham primary school’s Ofsted report at www.kingshamprimary.org.uk. For more on the University of Chichester Academy Trust go to www.unicat.org.uk.
