Kibblesworth Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The Kibblesworth Academy motto, 'dream, believe, achieve', is alive and well at school. Teachers have high expectations of pupils and help them dream of positive futures, believe in themselves and achieve standards of which they are capable.

The headteacher is highly effective. Together with other school leaders, he has worked successfully to improve teaching and, therefore, the outcomes of pupils. Since the last inspection, the standards pupils reach have improved substantially and are in line with or above national averages.

This means that they are well prepared for their next stage of learning. The quality of teaching in mathematics a...nd the progress pupils make in this subject are outstanding. Leaders' evaluation of the school's strengths and weaknesses are spot on.

As a result, plans for further improvements are strong. Leaders are aware that the proportion of pupils reaching the higher standards in national tests is too low. Pupils benefit from good teaching at school.

Teachers are particularly strong at noticing when pupils are struggling with particular concepts and changing tack as they teach, to help pupils understand. The commitment of pupils to their own learning is a striking feature of the school. Pupils have very positive attitudes to their learning.

Their behaviour in lessons and around the building is exemplary. They are welcoming, courteous and supportive of each other. The school is a harmonious community that is friendly and welcoming.

Pupils access a broad curriculum, which helps them to become rounded individuals and develops their resilience. The quality of planning, teaching and assessment in English and mathematics is strong. In other subjects, such as history and geography, these procedures are improving but are not yet as robust.

Governors are effective in their challenge and support of school leaders and make a positive contribution to life at school. In the early years, children make good progress from their starting points. They benefit from a good standard of teaching.

More-rapid progress is required for boys to reach higher standards.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

This is a smaller than average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported through the pupil premium is average. The proportion of pupils who have support for their special educational needs and/or disabilities is above average.

The proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is well below average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is below average. There have been changes in teaching staff since the last inspection.

A new headteacher has been appointed and an acting deputy headteacher is in position. The school has been supported by a national leader of education based in St Aidan's Church of England Primary School in Gateshead. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' progress and attainment in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6.