Kettering school's pride after good Ofsted grade

Hayfield Cross School, in Hayfield Crescent off Cranford Road, opened in 2015 and was built to serve the Kettering East development.

In its first inspection by the education watchdog Ofsted, inspectors found it to be good in all five areas judged.

Headteacher Craig Charteris said: “We are over over the moon and it’s the result of three years of work.

“We knew we were a good school but it’s really nice to get recognition and to show that we are doing things right.”

The school has had its ups and downs and faced issues with potholes on the access road and a lack of mains connections.

It was built as part of the 5,500-home Kettering East development, which is nowhere near completion, with pupils attending from all over Kettering as well as villages and towns such as Cranford and Finedon.

Mr Charteris heaped praise on staff, children and parents for their efforts since it opened.

He said: “We were built to serve a catchment that isn’t there yet and it’s been a long and continuing battle for us.

“Our staff have been incredible and we have an absolutely amazing team.

“The Ofsted inspector commented that their ethos and drive was unique which was lovely.

“The children are brilliant and the parents, who have all been on this journey with us, have been incredible.”

The number of pupils at the school has risen from 10 to 245 in the three years since it opened.

Inspectors from Ofsted found pupils behaved well and that the quality of teaching, learning and assessment was good.

They said pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, made good progress and praised the “strong and conscientious” leadership team.

A report by lead inspector Vondra Mays said: “The quality of teaching is good.

“Relationships between staff and pupils are positive.

“This means that pupils, including those who arrive at the school part-way through their primary education, quickly develop confidence in their learning.”

It went on to say: “The school has a warm, nurturing and friendly atmosphere.

“Pupils are welcoming and show care and consideration for others.

“They take pride in being a part of their school community and look after their school environment well.”

To read the full report click here.