'Special place where everyone belongs'- Ofsted hails Fylde coast Blackpool Kincraig Primary School in report

A Blackpool school has been described as a ‘special place where everyone belongs’ by Ofsted following an ‘exceptional’ inspection earlier this year.

Kincraig Primary School in Blackpool was visited by a team of inspectors, led by His Majesty's chief Inspector Elliot Costas-Walke, in July 2026.

Ofsted praised Kincraig highly following its latest inspection, with the school rated as ‘strong standard’ across six categories and ‘exceptional’ in another.

The school’s Early Years provision was categorised as ‘exceptional’- meaning other schools should learn from the example set- by Chief Inspector Costas-Walke, who said: “Children get off to the very best start in the early years. Leaders have designed a highly ambitious curriculum that builds knowledge and skills incrementally across all areas of learning.”

Achievement, Attendance & Behavior and Inclusion were all ranked as ‘strong standard’ by the team of inspectors. The school’s curriculum and teaching was also praised by the Chief Inspector, who added: “Staff deliver the curriculum with confidence and expert understanding. They provide clear explanations and use sharply targeted questions to check what pupils know and understand throughout lessons.”

The pupils' behaviour at Kincraig was described as ‘exemplary’, with Ofsted adding that ‘leaders have established a culture of high expectations. Their ambition to create a safe space for every pupil is shared by all stakeholders.’

Personal Development and Wellbeing was rated at a ‘strong standard’, as was the school’s Leadership and Governance. Chief Inspector Costas-Walke said: “Leaders have a deep understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development.

“Leaders never stand still. They continually evaluate the school’s effectiveness and refine their work to meet the evolving needs of pupils, their families and the community.

“Governance is a strength of the school. Governors possess a detailed understanding of the school’s context and fulfil their statutory duties diligently. They champion pupils’ interests and hold leaders to account through rigorous monitoring, informed challenge and effective support.”

What is like to be a pupil at Kincraig Primary School?

“Pupils thrive in this caring, welcoming and inspiring school. It is a special place where everyone belongs. The school’s ‘HEART’ values of happy, enjoy, achieve, respect and thrive are lived and breathed through every aspect of school life,” the Chief Inspector wrote.

“They contribute significantly to a culture where pupils feel safe, supported and nurtured. These values underpin interactions across the school. Consequently, pupils speak confidently about the trusting and close-knit relationships they have with staff and with one another. They describe the school as their 'safe space'.”

“Pupils at Kincraig love learning in classrooms that are vibrant and inspiring. The curriculum prepares pupils well for the future, including those who are disadvantaged and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils leave the school with the knowledge they need to succeed in secondary education.”

How has the school reacted?

Headteacher Karen Smith said: This amazing report is the result of a true team effort, and I want to take this moment to thank everyone who has contributed to making Kincraig the special place it is.

“This is a moment to celebrate as a whole school community. Over many years, we have collectively created a culture of ambition and excellence, and this report is testament to what we can achieve when we work together with our children at the heart of everything we do.”