Kelvedon Hatch Community Primary School is celebrating a highly positive outcome following its Ofsted inspection on 14 and 15 May 2025. The school received a ‘Good’ rating across all key areas: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is the first time the school has been inspected under Section 5 of the Education Act 2005 since joining the Discovery Educational Trust, and the report paints the picture of a school that has made significant progress and is thriving under new leadership.
The headteacher, Victoria Townsend, leads the school with care, dedication and ambition. “I am incredibly proud of everything our school community has achieved,” Miss Townsend said. “Seeing our children thrive, grow in confidence, and develop a real love for learning is what drives me every single day. I have a deep passion for giving every child the best possible start in life, and this report reflects the hard work, care, and dedication that our whole team puts into making that vision a reality.”
Kelvedon Hatch is part of the Discovery Educational Trust, overseen by CEO Ryan Duff and Director of Education, Nicky Everett. The trust has played a pivotal role in the school’s transformation since 2022, ensuring thoughtful change and clear direction. Inspectors noted the trust’s effective leadership in navigating the school’s development and praised the progress made in curriculum, behaviour, and pupil outcomes.
Pupils at Kelvedon Hatch benefit from a nurturing, inclusive environment where school values such as kindness, honesty, perseverance, and confidence are clearly evident. Children across all year groups show a strong commitment to learning and behave respectfully. The atmosphere in classrooms is calm, focused, and enthusiastic. Pupils take pride in their achievements, including earning ‘Owl’ reading badges, which promote a love of reading throughout the school. Visits to museums, residential trips, and performances provide enriching experiences that deepen learning and broaden horizons.
The school’s broad and well-sequenced curriculum begins in the early years and extends through to Year 6. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and routinely assess pupil understanding to inform teaching. Phonics is taught effectively, supported by continuous training, and pupils who need extra help receive targeted support, ensuring most children become confident, fluent readers.
The school’s revised behaviour policy has had a clear impact, with improved conduct and attendance. Creative initiatives like ‘Funky Fridays’ encourage pupils to start their day with joy and enthusiasm, dancing into school and embracing the school community spirit. Personal development is also prioritised, with pupils learning to manage emotions, build teamwork skills, and take part in swimming and forest-based outdoor activities.
Leadership and staff development are central to the school’s ongoing success. A comprehensive training programme and a strong focus on well-being ensure that all staff feel supported and equipped to fulfil their roles. Parents speak positively about the education their children receive, the wide range of opportunities available, and the sense of community that Kelvedon Hatch provides.
In their concluding remarks, the inspection team highlighted the warm ethos, high expectations, and joyful school culture that now define Kelvedon Hatch Community Primary School. The school community—staff, pupils, parents, and trust leaders—have all contributed to its achievements, and the May 2025 Ofsted report stands as a testament to their collective commitment to giving children the best possible start in life.
