Groombridge St Thomas’ Church of England Primary School, located in Groombridge, Kent, was inspected on 25 and 26 April 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The school has maintained a good standard of education, behavior, attitudes, personal development, leadership, and management, as well as early years provision. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 14 years ago, when it received an outstanding rating.
Pupils at Groombridge are happy and proud to be part of the school community, embracing the values of excellence, compassion, and enthusiasm. They feel supported by staff who are dedicated to their success, which motivates them to behave well and work hard. The school has established high expectations for both learning and behavior, resulting in commendable pupil achievement. Safety is a priority, with pupils feeling secure and aware of how to address bullying, which is rare at the school. Strong relationships between pupils and staff foster a nurturing environment, particularly evident from the early years.
The school promotes inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are fully integrated into school life. This inclusivity is particularly visible in the sporting opportunities available, which are well-received by parents who appreciate the supportive atmosphere that allows their children to thrive. Leaders have made significant improvements to the curriculum, focusing on core subjects such as mathematics, reading, and writing, which are well-structured from early years to Year 6. Teachers possess good subject knowledge and have received high-quality training, enabling them to effectively support pupil learning.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, such as history, the curriculum lacks sufficient connection from early years to Year 6, which affects pupils' retention of knowledge over time. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding at the end of lessons, using this information to support future learning, particularly for those with special educational needs. Nonetheless, in certain subjects, tasks set do not always facilitate deeper learning, leading to a disconnect between activities and intended educational outcomes.
Early reading instruction is a strength of the school, with a consistent phonics program in place that effectively supports all pupils. Leaders are proactive in identifying those who struggle with reading and provide appropriate support. The school fosters a love of reading, with engaging storytelling sessions and community involvement in developing the school library.
Pupils demonstrate kindness and care in their interactions, with a strong emphasis on respect and tolerance for differences. Attendance is improving as leaders set high expectations. The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, particularly in sports, and encourages community engagement through local events.
Leadership has been strengthened by the interim executive board, which provides valuable support and oversight. The new headteacher has established a clear direction for the school, and staff feel appreciated and proud to be part of the community. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-trained to address concerns and ensure pupil safety.
While the school has made commendable progress, it must continue to refine the curriculum to ensure knowledge builds cumulatively across all subjects. Additionally, enhancing teachers' pedagogical strategies will further support effective learning. Overall, Groombridge St Thomas’ Church of England Primary School is a good school with a strong foundation for continued improvement and success.
