Welcome to Kirkby Thore Primary School
Welcome to our school website. I hope you find the information that you need. If you have any further questions about our school or admission enquiries, please email me: JRobinson@kts.changinglives.education or our business manager Julie Palmer: Admin@kts.changinglives.education and we will be happy to help.
I joined the school as Headteacher in April 2024 having spent a career in varied roles in education! I have been a class teacher, senior teacher, advisory teacher and run my own private Daycare setting. This job, however, has always been my dream and I am so pleased to fulfil it in our lovely school.
We at Kirkby Thore believe our school to be a very special place. Our children benefit from small classes, a safe environment, clear plans for improvement and development, inter- school collaboration and shared expertise within our cluster and wider trust, supportive parents and wider community links. We are a traditional primary school placed in the heart of our community with a small and friendly feel. Set in the shadow of the Pennines, we are inspired to ‘Aim High’ by the landscape around us. Our school values of being ‘safe, respectful and ready to learn’ help us achieve our very best and these have been expanded into four age-appropriate exemplifications so that all children understand the behaviour and attitudes to learning we expect of them as they progress through the school. We are committed to creating a friendly, safe and encouraging atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Our new bespoke curriculum for foundation subjects has been carefully developed to ensure sequenced learning and promote critical thinking and engagement so that all children achieve to the very best of their ability. Within our mixed age classes of Acorns and Oaks, pupils learn both collaboratively and through age-appropriate specific teaching. All pupils have access to their own electronic device, and we use technology whenever appropriate to utilise precision teaching in our mixed age groupings.
We also benefit from fabulous indoor and outdoor spaces which we enjoy adapting to reflect our themes and children’s interests. All pupils engage in outdoor learning regularly with our Nursery and Reception children enjoying year-round access to our covered area and generous garden space which they wrap up in our waterproof suits and wellies to enjoy.
We became part of Changing Lives Learning Trust in April 2024 and now benefit from the support of a wider trust of schools including Queen Elizabeth Grammar School at Penrith. Nestled as we are in this beautiful part of the world we understand the need to be outward facing and engage with the wider world through a carefully planned programme of visits and experiences.
I hope this has given you a flavour of our school and what it has to offer. The best way to appreciate Kirkby Thore Primary School is by arranging a visit. We would love to see you and guarantee a warm welcome. We think you could be surprised by what you find here!
Jen Robinson
Headteacher
