Executive Headteacher Introduction
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website, I hope you find it informative and that it gives you a flavour of what it is like to attend our very unique school. Everyone connected to Kirkburton Middle School (KMS) is very proud of our school.
The three years between the ages of ten and thirteen are characterised by rapid physical, social and emotional change and are of great significance in the academic and social development of young people. KMS provides a welcoming and secure environment in which pupils enter as young children and leave as confident young adults, each developing at the rate that is right for them. We specialise in supporting, nurturing and guiding young children through this time in their lives – emotionally, socially and academically – in order that they are able to achieve well and feel safe. We believe strongly in the importance of the principles of inclusion, the development of the whole child and meeting the needs of the individual. To this end we provide a broad and balanced curriculum, together with an extensive range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities.
We believe that development best takes place in a calm and orderly atmosphere where young people are encouraged to behave in an appropriate manner and where self-discipline is important and valued. Our pupils and staff feel part of a vibrant, happy, caring and safe environment built on mutual respect and clear expectations. We aim high in everything we do and make no apologies for this.
KMS is a member of the highly popular and very successful three-tier Shelley Pyramid of schools. Most pupils come to us from First Schools in the surrounding villages of Emley, Farnley Tyas, Highburton, Shelley, Shepley, Thurstonland and Kirkburton itself. Due to a falling birth rate in our immediate locality, we also have an increasing number of pupils applying to join us from neighbouring catchment areas. These applications are most welcome. The vast majority of our pupils transfer to Shelley College at the end of Year 8. Close links exist at all levels between schools throughout the pyramid, and beyond, ensuring continuity, progression and effective transfer between phases.
The School is proud to be a founding member of the Mast Academy Trust, a group of highly successful schools that provide primary education through to the end of KS3 within secondary education. The Trust was formed around a common belief that children should always be at the heart of decisions made in education. Over the years, a truly collaborative model has evolved where all schools work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families – academically, socially and emotionally.
Since January 2023 I have had the honour and the pleasure of working as Executive Headteacher across the two middle schools in the trust; Kirkburton and Scissett. This collaboration has helped support the continued improvement of two already very strong schools. Children at the two schools follow the same curriculum and many staff work across the two schools, including our subject leaders. We are also very mindful to protect the individuality of the two schools; each one has their very own unique character.
If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us. Visits are warmly welcomed and we would love the opportunity to show you what makes KMS such a special place.
Chris Taylor
Executive Headteacher