St Mark’s Church of England Primary School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 28 and 29, 2022. The leadership and staff at St Mark’s are dedicated to providing the best for their pupils, fostering an environment where high aspirations for achievement and behavior are paramount. The school’s Christian values of trust, friendship, and forgiveness serve as a foundation for pupils to navigate their understanding of the world.
Pupils at St Mark’s feel safe and happy, eagerly anticipating their time at school to engage with friends and teachers. Instances of bullying are rare and are effectively managed by the staff when they occur. The students exhibit politeness and respect, demonstrating good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. They enjoy social interactions and support one another in the classroom, showing enthusiasm for their learning and discussing their work with pride. Early years children display excitement in learning new concepts and adhere to classroom rules and routines.
The school offers a diverse range of clubs that cater to various interests and talents, although some pupils do not participate in activities that could enhance their development. The curriculum is enriched through engaging trips and guest speakers, with innovative experiences such as exploring the rainforest via virtual reality. Reading is a significant focus, with pupils across all year groups enjoying collective story time.
St Mark’s has developed an ambitious curriculum that ensures all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well. The curriculum is well-structured, identifying essential knowledge for each subject and allowing pupils to build on prior learning. Subject leaders possess the necessary expertise to effectively guide their areas, preparing pupils for future educational stages. For instance, Reception children confidently use technology for learning, while Year 6 pupils can articulate how their previous knowledge aids their current studies.
Leaders provide robust support for teachers to assess pupil understanding and address learning gaps. In mathematics, for example, the ‘flashback Fridays’ initiative helps reinforce prior learning. While most pupils are engaged and strive to do their best, there are instances where learning activities do not challenge them sufficiently, leading to disengagement in some group tasks.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with leaders investing in staff training to enhance subject knowledge. Teachers implement a phonics scheme effectively, ensuring most pupils read well. However, some support for struggling readers occurs outside the classroom, which can result in missed phonics instruction. The introduction of the ‘reading race’ initiative encourages pupils to read more at home.
In the early years, children collaborate well and participate in stimulating activities that cover various learning areas. They begin their reading journey promptly and engage enthusiastically in phonics lessons. Opportunities for developing number skills through play are abundant, such as practicing number bonds in fun activities.
Pupils also cultivate character and responsibility through leadership roles in the school council and eco committee. The personal, social, and health education program equips them with resilience and confidence, preparing Year 6 pupils for secondary school. The school promotes inclusivity, as evidenced by pupils’ willingness to welcome new classmates from diverse backgrounds.
While the school excels in many areas, there is room for improvement in ensuring that all lessons consistently challenge pupils. Leaders are encouraged to enhance staff training to facilitate the selection of more engaging learning activities. Overall, St Mark’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
