Higham Primary School, located in Rochester, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection on January 24 and 25, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a strong sense of belonging among its pupils, who express that it is a positive environment for learning. The school’s motto, “grow, learn, believe, achieve,” resonates with students, who demonstrate enthusiasm and a commitment to their education. Parents have noted the significant impact the school has on their children's self-confidence and belief in their abilities.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, which is reflected in their positive approach to learning. In subjects like art and design, students exhibit a genuine passion for learning, producing high-quality work. Recently, pupils collaborated with staff to enhance the school's behaviour management approach, which has proven effective, resulting in minimal disruption to learning. The school’s extensive outdoor facilities, including a trim trail and climbing wall, provide students with enjoyable opportunities for play and learning. Additionally, pupils participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as representing the school in competitions.
Higham Primary School has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum. Leaders have meticulously mapped out essential knowledge for pupils, breaking it down into manageable steps to facilitate effective teaching. This structured approach supports teachers in delivering the core knowledge necessary for pupil development. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate teaching and assistance. In the early years, the curriculum is tailored to meet children's starting points and interests, with a strong emphasis on communication and language development.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with a well-established early reading curriculum in place. Staff are trained in effective reading instruction, and daily phonics sessions help children progress towards reading fluency. The school promotes a love of reading from an early age through engaging storytelling and high-quality texts. Teachers receive support in developing their subject knowledge, enabling them to adapt the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of pupils. However, there are some subjects, such as mathematics, where teachers' subject knowledge is still being developed.
The personal development programme at Higham Primary School is a notable strength, focusing on social and health education to cultivate responsible citizens. Pupils' mental health and well-being are prioritized, and their voices are heard through the pupil council. The school ensures inclusivity, allowing every pupil to participate in sporting events throughout the year. Attendance is high, as most pupils enjoy coming to school.
Leaders continuously review the quality of education, recognizing areas for improvement and taking effective action. They are supported by knowledgeable governors who are committed to enhancing the educational experience for pupils. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance teachers' subject knowledge in a few areas to ensure that all pupils are sufficiently challenged. Additionally, the early years curriculum should be refined to better prepare children for their transition to Year 1, addressing any gaps in knowledge and understanding. Overall, Higham Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
