Northbourne is smaller than the average-sized primary school and the number on roll has fallen since the previous inspection. Most pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is above average. Their needs relate mainly to speech, language and communication or behavioural, social and emotional difficulties. The school makes provision for the Early Years Foundation Stage children in a Reception class. A Nursery on the school site is managed by a private provider and therefore not included in this inspection. The school exceeds the current floor standards in English and mathematics. The school has gained Healthy Schools Status and Advanced Status for Extended Schools. There have been significant changes in the school since the previous inspection. After a period of considerable instability and turbulence, during which delegated powers were removed from the governing body, the school was federated with a local primary school in September 2011. The headteacher of the federated school was appointed as the executive headteacher of both schools at this time. Prior to this, from September 2010, she had been supporting Northbourne in her role as a Local Leader of Education. The federation shares a governing body, a special educational needs coordinator and a family liaison officer. In addition there is an assistant headteacher at Northbourne.