Kingfisher Primary School Review 2026: Exceptional Results and Nurturing Community in Yeovil

Kingfisher Primary School serves the Houndstone area of Yeovil as a purpose-built, single-form entry academy that has quickly established itself as a beacon of academic excellence. Since opening in 2016 as part of the Preston Primary Academy Trust, the school has achieved remarkably high standards, culminating in a sustained Outstanding rating from Ofsted.

The school's performance is particularly striking given its relatively recent founding. In 2024, its Key Stage 2 results placed it among the top 10% of schools in England. With a capacity for 210 pupils, the school maintains a close-knit, community feel where staff focus on individual progress from the nursery years through to Year 6.

The atmosphere at Kingfisher is characterized by a calm, purposeful energy. The modern building, located on Kingfisher Drive, was designed with light and space in mind, creating an environment where pupils feel secure and valued. There is a palpable sense of pride among the children, who are encouraged to be curious and resilient learners.

Mr Daniel Glentworth has led the school since September 2020, providing a steady vision that prioritizes both academic rigour and pastoral care. The school's motto, Fly High, is reflected in the high expectations set for every pupil. The culture is one of inclusivity and mutual respect, where the small school size allows for a highly personalized approach to education.

The academic outcomes at Kingfisher Primary School are significantly above both local and England averages. In 2024, 92% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a formidable achievement when compared to the England average of 62%.

The school's depth of achievement is even more evident at the higher standard. Specifically, 43% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, which is more than five times the England average of 8%.

Ranked 739th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the elite tier of high-performing schools. Locally, it ranks 2nd among 12 primary schools in the Yeovil area, confirming its status as a leading choice for families seeking academic excellence.

Teaching at Kingfisher is described as expert and highly effective. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious and engaging, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary and communication from the earliest years. In the nursery and reception classes, staff focus on building a secure foundation in phonics and early mathematics.

Teachers use assessment precisely to identify any pupils falling behind, providing immediate support to ensure no child is left out. The 2024 results reflect this consistency: the average scaled score in reading was 109 and in mathematics 108, both comfortably exceeding the England averages.

Nursery Provision

Kingfisher provides integrated nursery provision for children aged 2 to 4, known as Little Kingfishers. This early start is central to the school's success, allowing practitioners to establish routines and learning habits before children enter Reception. The nursery environment is rich in sensory and physical opportunities, focusing on the prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

For nursery fee details, families should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for more information on how to access these places.

As a single-form entry school, Kingfisher excels in pastoral care because the staff know every child and their family well. Relationships are a significant strength, and pupils report feeling safe and happy. The school uses a variety of strategies to support emotional wellbeing, including regular check-ins and a robust system for rewarding positive behaviour.

The school is inclusive, with effective support for pupils with special educational needs. Although the school does not have separate special classes, the mainstream environment is adapted to ensure all pupils can access the full curriculum and participate in school life.

Extracurricular life at Kingfisher is designed to broaden horizons. The school offers a range of clubs that change seasonally, including sports, arts, and technology. Notable facilities include the well-equipped outdoor learning areas and a modern school hall used for performances and physical education.

STEM Excellence

STEM is a particular area of focus, with pupils encouraged to engage in practical science and mathematical problem-solving from a young age. The school's 2024 performance in the Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS) assessments was exceptionally high, with 93% of pupils meeting the expected standard and an average scaled score of 111. This technical accuracy in language provides a strong base for all other academic subjects.

Securing a place at Kingfisher Primary School is challenging due to its popularity and small intake. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was oversubscribed, with 83 applications for just 30 Reception places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.77 applications per place.

The school had a 1.4 ratio of first-preference applications to offers, meaning many families who put the school as their first choice were unable to secure a place. Admissions are coordinated by Somerset Council. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their distance from the school gates and review local trends.

Most pupils transition to local secondary schools in the Yeovil area, with Preston School and Westfield Academy being common destinations. Because Kingfisher is part of the Preston Primary Academy Trust, there are strong links with the trust's secondary provision, ensuring a smooth academic and pastoral handover at the end of Year 6.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Kingfisher offers wraparound care in the form of a breakfast club and after-school provision to support working parents. The school is located on the edge of a modern housing development with good pedestrian access, though parking near the gates during drop-off and pick-up can be limited.

• Oversubscription: With nearly three applications for every place, Kingfisher is one of the most competitive schools in Somerset. Families must have a clear "Plan B" when applying.
• Single-form entry: While the small size fosters a family atmosphere, it means each year group is a single cohort. This provides less social variety than a larger three-form entry school.
• Academic Pace: The school sets a very high bar for achievement. While support is excellent, the environment is one of consistent challenge, which may feel intense for some learners.

Kingfisher Primary School is an outstanding choice for families in Yeovil who prioritize academic results within a small, nurturing environment. Its performance in reading, writing, and mathematics is among the best in the region. Best suited to families who live in the immediate Houndstone area and want a school that combines the modern facilities of a new build with the traditional values of a high-achieving academy. The primary hurdle remains securing a place in the Reception intake.