Ofsted heaps praise on small Kent primary school

School inspectors have praised a small Kent primary school for its “high expectations” and “happy and harmonious” atmosphere.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors described St Mary of Charity Church of England Primary School in Faversham as “highly ambitious for pupils, staff and the community”.

The inspectors said relationships in the school are “respectful and kind”, that teachers have strong subject knowledge and that classrooms are “calm and purposeful”.

Overall the school was given a “Good” rating, with its early years provision awarded “Outstanding”.

“Children get off to a flying start in the early years,” Ofsted’s inspectors said.

“Staff skillfully help children to develop increasing independence, curiosity and resilience in their learning.”

Inspectors singled out some of the school’s clubs, such as judo and yoga, and its School Council, which they said all “develop pupils’ interests and talents”.

The school, which has just one class in each year, is part of Aquila, the Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust, which is a family of 16 primary schools across Kent.

Louise Rowley-Jones, the school’s Headteacher, said: “It is an immense privilege to lead this school and we are delighted with Ofsted’s comments. We are proud of the highly ambitious curriculum we have developed and the fact that our school is highly inclusive - it is somewhere where everyone is valued for their individual qualities.”

Annie Wiles, Chief Executive Officer of Aquila, said: “Ofsted’s findings were “testament to the hard work, commitment and expertise of St Mary of Charity’s superb staff and the support of the wider community.”