Kingsgate Primary school where 36 languages are spoken by pupils, is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

Published: 14 April 2011
by JOSIE HINTON

A SCHOOL where pupils speak more than 30 languages between them is celebrating after being rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.

The education watchdog’s inspectors praised Kingsgate Primary School in Kilburn for its positive relationships between staff and pupils, and the “kindness and respect” with which pupils treat each other.

The school, which is in a socially deprived area, has an intake of pupils who speak English as an additional language and are eligible for free school meals. Thirty-six languages are spoken there.

Following a recent inspection, an Ofsted report stated that the majority of pupils start school with skills well below the national average, but added: “Despite this, all groups of pupils, including those from different ethnic heritages and those who start school with little or no spoken English, progress and achieve well.”

They described an “outstanding school, where ambition is embedded from the most senior leaders to the pupils themselves”. 

Headteacher Liz Hayward said: “The whole community is so pleased that Kingsgate Primary School has received an outstanding Ofsted. 

“It is a lovely school and the children who come here deserve the very best. I would like to thank everybody – parents, children, governors and staff, for working so hard to achieve such a good result.”

The report heaps praise on pupils for their positive attitudes and methods of learning. It said: “Pupils at Kingsgate Primary School are enthusiastic learners who are keen to please their teachers. When asked to talk or work together, they do so very effectively, remaining on task, challenging each other, and planning and reviewing their work carefully.”

Inspectors also praised the Kingsgate Road school for its spiritual, moral and social guidance. They said: “Assemblies, support for charities, music and growing vegetables in the school garden are some of the other ways in which pupils experience interest and wonder in the world around them.”

The school’s special needs coordinator was recognised and the school’s induction procedures for new arrivals were also praised.

Inspectors said the “excellent progress” that pupils make is as a result of “good teaching, excellent behaviour and a vibrant and exciting curriculum”. 

Councillor Heather Johnson, Camden Council’s cabinet member for children schools and families, said: “This is an excellent report for Kingsgate and is testament to the hard work of all the staff and the children who do their best every day.”