Kirkburton Middle School

Overview

Kirkburton Middle School is described as a place where pupils are "mature and well mannered" and enjoy a "positive, caring and respectful school community." The report highlights "high ambitions for all pupils" and notes that leaders have created a culture where attendance is a priority for everyone, resulting in very low rates of persistent absence.

Strengths

• Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "Strong standard," with pupils behaving with "courtesy and kindness" in a "calm and purposeful atmosphere."
• Personal development is rated at a "Strong standard," with pupils developing "strength of character, confidence and respect for others" through initiatives like the 'pupil parliament' and 'kindness champions'.
• The curriculum is "ambitious and varied," blending primary and secondary subjects seamlessly to prepare pupils well for the next stage of their education.
• Staff are "passionate about and knowledgeable about the subjects they teach," engaging pupils in "high-quality discussions."
• Pastoral care is "excellent," ensuring anxious pupils receive help and that bullying is rare and swiftly addressed.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure teaching strategies are "systematically and skilfully adapted" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to remove barriers to achievement.
• Leaders should "rigorously monitor the impact" of strategies supporting SEND and disadvantaged pupils to ensure they make a sustained difference.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.