Northampton School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 June 2026

Pupils thrive in this ambitious and inclusive school. They are proud of their school and describe a community where everyone is accepted for who they are. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Pupils trust staff to listen and act if they have concerns. Pupils say that bullying is rare and dealt with well. As a result, pupils feel safe and have a strong sense of belonging. Pupils behave very well. Routines are taught explicitly and applied consistently by leaders and staff. Consequently, pupils value the fairness of the school's behaviour systems. Lessons are calm and purposeful, and pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. Pupils' attendance is well above national averages. They arrive punctually and settle quickly to learning. Pupils' positive conduct makes a strong contribution to the school's orderly and welcoming atmosphere. Pupils benefit from an ambitious curriculum and expert teaching. They explain confidently how teachers’ support and guidance help them to improve their work. The school's work on developing pupils' reading is a notable strength. Pupils encounter and study a rich canon of carefully chosen texts. They develop an increasingly sophisticated subject vocabulary. For example, many pupils explain confidently the origins and meanings of complex academic language. The school's ambition for pupils to succeed academically and personally is evident in every aspect of school life. Pupils embrace this ambition. They enjoy school and make the most of the extensive opportunities available to them. Pupils' participation in clubs, sport, music, drama and leadership is extremely high. These experiences help pupils to develop confidence, resilience and positive friendships. Pupils achieve well, academically and socially. They are very well prepared for their next steps in education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should maintain their work to secure consistently expert implementation of the curriculum, such as by ensuring that teaching continues to be skilfully adapted to promote excellence in pupils' outcomes, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Leaders should sustain their work to ensure that all pupils benefit from a consistently high-quality personal, social, health and economic curriculum, making any adjustments as necessary to further enhance pupils' preparation for their next steps and life beyond school.

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