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Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child's education, and this year pupils across INMAT have achieved an exceptional result.

An impressive 91% of Year 1 pupils met the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check, placing the trust 10 percentage points above the national average. This achievement reflects the dedication of staff, the determination of pupils and the invaluable support provided by families across our school communities.

Strong phonics teaching gives children the foundations they need to become confident, fluent readers, unlocking learning across the curriculum and opening the door to future success. This outstanding result is testament to the high-quality teaching, nurturing support and shared commitment to excellence found across INMAT schools.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and would like to thank every member of our school communities who has played a part in helping our children develop a lifelong love of reading.

Across INMAT, strong values help create positive school cultures where children can thrive. At Kettering Park Infant Academy, the new school year has brought a renewed focus on the values of Kindness, Perseverance, Independence and Ambition, helping to shape learning, behaviour and relationships throughout the school community.

To support this shared vision, the school transformed its entrance area with vibrant artwork celebrating its values and aspirations. Creating visible reminders of what matters most helps children, families and staff work together towards a common goal, ensuring values are not simply displayed on walls but lived and experienced every day.

This term, colleagues from across INMAT have come together to strengthen leadership, inclusion and pupil support through a wide range of professional development opportunities. Staff have participated in training covering leadership development, subject leadership, behaviour, inclusion, curriculum development and specialist support roles, alongside dedicated programmes for Teaching Assistants and Higher Level Teaching Assistants.

A key milestone has been the launch of the 2026/27 Aspiring Leaders Cohort, helping to develop future school leaders from within the trust. Colleagues have also collaborated through the new SENDCo Network, sharing expertise to strengthen inclusive practice across our schools.

The introduction of a new Trust Safeguarding Handbook further supports a consistent approach to keeping children safe, supported and ready to thrive. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how collaboration, expertise and continuous learning help improve outcomes for children across INMAT.

Standens Barn Primary School has been named a finalist in the Northamptonshire Education Awards for the third consecutive year, recognising the school's outstanding commitment to STEM education. Through initiatives such as F1 in Schools, pupils are developing essential skills in engineering, teamwork, innovation and problem-solving. The success of teams including Red Owl Racing and V-GLLad Victory demonstrates the ambition and creativity being nurtured across INMAT schools, helping prepare children for a rapidly changing future.

INMAT is delighted to celebrate the success of Jenna Cox, Deputy Headteacher at Kettering Park Infant Academy, who was named a finalist for English Teacher of the Year at the Northamptonshire Education Awards. Jenna's passion for improving reading and phonics outcomes, alongside her support for colleagues across the trust, reflects the expertise and dedication found throughout INMAT. Her achievement is a proud moment not only for KPIA but for the wider trust community.

Pupils from Kettering Park Junior Academy enjoyed a fantastic day at a rugby festival hosted by Kettering Rugby Club. The KS2 girls showed excellent teamwork, resilience and determination throughout the event, embracing every challenge with enthusiasm.

As well as developing their rugby skills, the pupils were outstanding ambassadors for the school, earning praise for their exemplary behaviour and respectful attitude. The festival provided a brilliant opportunity to build confidence, work together and demonstrate the values that make Kettering Park Junior Academy proud.

Ashby Fields Primary School took its commitment to healthy, active lifestyles beyond the classroom with its first-ever Primary Parkrun event, and the response was incredible.

More than 30 Ashby Fields families joined the Daventry Junior Parkrun, helping to achieve a record-breaking attendance of 143 young athletes, the highest number ever recorded at the event. With staff running alongside pupils and cheering from the sidelines, the morning was a fantastic celebration of fitness, determination and community spirit. Following such a successful debut, the school is already looking forward to inspiring even more children and families to get involved in future events.

Pupils at Standens Barn Primary School are celebrating after receiving a Silver Award at the Northampton in Bloom: It's Your Neighbourhood Awards for the second consecutive year.

The award recognises the fantastic work of the school's Gardening Club, where children help care for and improve outdoor spaces while developing teamwork, responsibility and a sense of pride in their environment.

With plans already underway for a new allotment area and further improvements around the school grounds, pupils will continue to play a leading role in creating a greener, more vibrant school community.

Pupil leadership is flourishing at The Abbey Primary School, with children taking an active role in shaping and improving their school community.

Recently appointed School Councillors have already begun turning ideas into action, helping to drive positive change across the school. Meanwhile, the school's librarians are leading an exciting transformation of the library, creating an inspiring space that will encourage a love of reading for years to come.

Alongside them, School Buddies and the Eco Team continue to make a significant contribution to daily school life, supporting younger pupils, promoting positive friendships and championing environmental responsibility. By giving children real opportunities to lead, The Abbey Primary School is helping pupils develop confidence, responsibility and the skills needed to make a difference both in school and beyond.

Autumn has brought a wealth of exciting learning opportunities to Falconer's Hill Infant School, with children embracing the season through creativity, exploration and hands-on experiences.

From celebrating Harvest and investigating pumpkins to creating stunning autumn artwork and tasting delicious homemade soup, pupils have been fully immersed in seasonal learning. Through painting, drawing, craft activities and practical experiences, children have brought their learning to life while developing new skills and confidence. The enthusiasm, creativity and curiosity shown by pupils have made this a truly memorable start to the autumn term.

Starting school is one of the biggest milestones in a child's life, and Reception pupils at St James Infant and Preschool have embraced the challenge with confidence, enthusiasm and plenty of smiles.

Throughout their first weeks, children have explored new learning opportunities, formed friendships and settled into daily routines with remarkable confidence. Through play, discovery and carefully planned learning experiences, pupils have quickly become valued members of the school community. Their successful transition reflects the dedication of staff and the nurturing environment that helps every child feel safe, supported and ready to thrive.

As schools across INMAT welcome new cohorts of children each year, the strong start made by Reception pupils at St James Infant and Preschool highlights the vital role our schools play in laying the foundations for future success.

Children at Little Harrowden Primary School recently enjoyed a calming and uplifting yoga session led by Family Support Worker, Mrs Tibbs, giving pupils the opportunity to slow down, stretch, breathe and focus on their wellbeing.

Supporting both mental and physical health is a key priority at the school, helping children develop the confidence, resilience and healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Experiences such as yoga also enrich the curriculum, encouraging pupils to discover new interests while developing skills that support both personal growth and academic success. A huge thank you to Mrs Tibbs for creating such a positive and memorable experience for the children.

Pupils at Wollaston Primary School stepped beyond the school gates to make a positive impact in their local community during a special visit from the Wellie Wombles Community Group.

After sharing an inspiring assembly with Years 4, 5 and 6, Year 4 pupils took part in a village litter pick, showing enthusiasm, responsibility and pride in their community. The children were fantastic ambassadors for the school and demonstrated the value of support through their actions. We are incredibly proud of the difference they made.

Pupils, families and staff at Kettering Park Infant Academy came together this term to celebrate Harvest while making a real difference to local people in need.

The school was delighted to welcome Rev. Helen Wakefield Carr, who led a thoughtful Harvest assembly focused on kindness, generosity and supporting others. Children marked the occasion with enthusiastic singing and impressive Harvest poetry performances from Year 2 pupils, creating a wonderful sense of community and reflection.

The celebration was made even more meaningful by the overwhelming generosity of families, whose donations to Kettering Food Bank were so plentiful they filled Rev. Helen's van. The contributions will help support local individuals and families, demonstrating how the Kettering Park Infant Academy community lives its values and shows compassion beyond the school gates.

Pupils enjoyed a visit from a local Community Support Officer this term, who spent time talking to children about staying safe and identifying trusted adults they can turn to for help.

The visit gave pupils the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the role of the police in their community, with everyone receiving a police sticker to take home as a reminder of the day.