Kingfisher CE Academy

About Kingfisher CE Academy

Kingfisher CE Academy is a small Church of England primary school in Swindon, currently educating 113 pupils against a capacity of 444, meaning it operates well below its potential intake. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 24.8%, which is notably higher than the national average for primary schools and suggests the school serves a community with above-average levels of disadvantage. Despite the available space, demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 41 applications for just 23 places, with 21 of those being first-preference choices. This gives an oversubscription ratio of 1.78, indicating that while the school is popular among local families, it is not among the most oversubscribed in the area. The school’s mixed gender intake and Christian character may appeal to families seeking a values-based setting, though the current pupil numbers suggest there is significant room for growth.

Academically, Kingfisher CE Academy was rated Requires Improvement overall in its most recent Ofsted inspection, which took place in February 2024. The inspection report gave the school a mixed picture: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management were all judged to require improvement, while early years provision and personal development were rated Good. This suggests that while the school has some strong foundations, particularly in the early years and in supporting pupils’ personal growth, there are clear areas for development in teaching and behaviour management. At Key Stage 2, the local authority average for pupils reaching the expected standard is 62%, but Kingfisher’s own results are not available in the data. The school does not have a sixth form, so all pupils move on to secondary schools at age 11. For families prioritising academic outcomes, the Ofsted rating and the lack of published KS2 data may be a concern, though the Good early years rating offers some reassurance for those with younger children.

The school’s facilities are varied and include a sports hall, playing fields, music rooms, art studios, a sensory room, and a chapel, which supports its Church of England character. Sports offered include netball, athletics, swimming, cricket, gymnastics, tennis, and cross country, while clubs range from art and drama to choir, film, book club, and gardening. For children with special educational needs, the school provides support for social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, multi-sensory impairment, and physical disability. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary school is East Wichel Primary School & Nursery, 1.2 km away, which may be a consideration for families weighing their options. Kingfisher CE Academy is likely to suit families who value a small, community-focused setting with a Christian ethos and a broad range of enrichment activities, and who are comfortable with a school that is actively working on improvement.

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