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Outstanding Primary Education for Ages 3-11 in Northampton
Briar Hill Primary School is a warm and happy institution where well-being lies at the heart of its ethos. Established to provide a continuous learning journey for children aged 3 to 11, the school challenges, nurtures, and inspires pupils to achieve high standards and contribute positively to society. With a curriculum rooted in literacy, numeracy, and technology, the school ensures a secure foundation for learning across diverse contexts while fostering creativity. Recognised as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted and TES Primary School of the Year 2022, the school combines high expectations with innovative teaching methods, including Talk for Writing and RWI Phonics.The dedicated team prioritises holistic development, focusing on emotional intelligence, metacognition, and resilience. Through partnerships with parents and a commitment to safeguarding, Briar Hill creates a supportive environment where every child thrives academically and personally.
Services
Nursery Education
Reception Class
Year 1-6 Education
Curriculum Enrichment
Safeguarding Services
Highlights and features
- We offer a curriculum enriched with Talk for Writing and RWI Phonics methodologies.
- Our staff includes nationally recognised experts in educational leadership.
- We maintain an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating and TES Primary School of the Year 2022 award.
- Our safeguarding team holds enhanced DBS checks and continuous professional development.
- We provide vertical house teams fostering community spirit and inter-year collaboration.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted rating
TES Primary School of the Year 2022
Excellent safeguarding team
Innovative teaching methods
Strong parental engagement
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery provision caters to children aged 3-4, offering a stimulating environment that develops foundational skills through play-based learning. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on communication, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional growth. Staff utilise 'sound on the sleeve' daily phonics activities and interactive learning experiences to prepare children for Reception.
Primary Education
We deliver a broad curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, covering core subjects like English, mathematics, and science alongside creative disciplines. Our teaching incorporates PiXL strategies, Talk for Writing, and mastery approaches in mathematics. Children benefit from specialist subject leaders and cross-curricular projects that develop critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills through our 4Cs of P4C framework.
Curriculum Enrichment
Enrichment activities include inter-house competitions, performing arts, and sports programmes that develop character and leadership. The house system named after British artists fosters vertical grouping and community spirit. Weekly house points tracked through Class Dojo reward positive behaviour, while enrichment clubs and the David Ross Education Trust's Inspiration Fund provide life-changing experiences for over 13,000 young people.
Safeguarding Services
Our safeguarding team includes seven trained professionals with enhanced DBS checks, following statutory guidance for child protection. The school maintains strict visitor protocols, mandatory staff training, and clear reporting procedures. Parents can contact designated safeguarding leads directly, with out-of-hours concerns directed to Northampton Social Care. All staff complete annual safeguarding updates to ensure child welfare remains paramount.
Parental Support
We provide comprehensive parental support through Class Dojo, MCAS, and weekly newsletters. Parents receive daily reading logs, phonics videos, and mathematics resources to reinforce learning at home. The Community Team organises events to strengthen school-family partnerships, while the Home-School Agreement formalises shared values of aspiration, courage, and respect to create a cohesive educational environment.
People
Miss Janey Cooksley
Headteacher and Regional Director
Miss Cooksley leads with a vision for educational excellence, ensuring every child receives a world-class education that develops academic curiosity and resilience. She champions well-being and high expectations across the school community.
Mr Ian Hickman
Assistant Headteacher and SENCo
Mr Hickman oversees inclusion and pastoral care, implementing effective strategies for special educational needs while leading science education and house team activities to support holistic pupil development.
Mrs Katie Cross
Deputy Headteacher
Mrs Cross leads quality of education initiatives, focusing on literacy standards and pupil premium provision while maintaining oversight of safeguarding protocols across the academy.
Mr Nicholas Warren
Mathematics Lead
Mr Warren specialises in mathematics education and data analysis, implementing PiXL strategies to improve numeracy outcomes while managing TT Rockstars and other digital learning resources.
Mrs Janice Marshall
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Marshall coordinates child protection measures, conducting safeguarding training and managing sensitive welfare concerns with professional expertise and compassionate support.
Questions
What age groups does Briar Hill Primary School cater to?
We provide education for children aged 3-11, including nursery, Reception, and Key Stages 1 and 2.
How does the school support pupil well-being?
Our ethos centres on well-being, with dedicated well-being leads, house teams promoting social interaction, and a curriculum focusing on emotional intelligence and resilience.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
We have seven trained safeguarding professionals, enhanced DBS checks for all staff, and strict visitor protocols aligned with statutory guidance.
How can parents engage with school activities?
Parents connect through Class Dojo, MCAS, weekly newsletters, and the Community Team's fundraising events to support educational enhancement.
What curriculum approaches are used?
We implement Talk for Writing, RWI Phonics, mastery mathematics, and PiXL strategies alongside our 4Cs of P4C framework for critical thinking.
How are house teams structured?
Our four artist-named house teams facilitate vertical grouping, inter-school competitions, and collective participation in events to build community spirit.
