Kensworth Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 April 2026

Pupils enjoy attending this small community school, where a clear sense of belonging is evident. Pupils and staff know each other well. They nurture respectful, positive relationships. Staff and pupils regularly play games together at playtime, which pupils of all ages enjoy. These shared experiences contribute to a calm, friendly atmosphere and help pupils feel valued and included. Pupils behave well and demonstrate respect for each other’s differences. They understand that some pupils need additional support, particularly with managing their emotions. All pupils learn strategies to identify and manage their feelings. They confidently explain these approaches. Bullying is rare. When friendship issues arise, adults support pupils promptly and effectively to resolve them. As a result, most pupils feel safe, supported and happy at school. Pupils generally enjoy their learning, which supports regular attendance. Many pupils talk confidently about their current learning and can explain what they are working on. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive additional support that staff carefully tailor to meet their individual needs. However, pupils’ learning is not consistently strong over time. Consequently, not all pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. The school and the church sit at the heart of the local community and work closely together. The church hosts the Year 6 leavers’ service, as well as Christmas and Easter services, which are valued by pupils and families alike. Pupils develop confidence and leadership skills through a range of opportunities. They can serve as school council members, worship leaders, or play leaders. All pupils attend the on-site 'forest school', which allows them to develop practical skills. They also spend more time learning outdoors, an experience some pupils might not otherwise have. Overall, the school provides a nurturing environment that supports pupils’ wellbeing, confidence and personal development.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure that all foundational skills, particularly in writing, are taught consistently well throughout the school. Any gaps in pupils' knowledge should be addressed swiftly.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers check pupils fully understand the key knowledge in a few subjects before moving learning on.
• Leaders should ensure that staff in the early years actively seek out those children who find it harder to engage with others to better support them develop their social interactions and communication.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)