Burham Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express happiness and confidence in discussing the importance of respect. The new leadership team has effectively embedded the school’s values of SHINE, which stands for success, happiness, independence, new experiences, and engagement, alongside the Christian values of CRAFT, which include compassion, responsibility, acceptance, forgiveness, and trust. These values are integral to the school’s educational and behavioral framework.
Pupils engage enthusiastically with the curriculum, which is designed to meet high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Recent efforts have been made to refine the curriculum to ensure clearer connections between what pupils learn and how their understanding is assessed. While pupils generally feel safe and supported, with adults readily available to address any concerns, there is an ongoing commitment to enhancing the wider curriculum through carefully planned trips and visits that complement classroom learning.
The school has developed an accessible curriculum that promotes high aspirations for all pupils. Staff are attuned to the barriers that some pupils face and provide effective support to help them overcome these challenges. In subjects like mathematics, pupils demonstrate a strong retention of knowledge, while in others, such as history, there is a need for improvement in how knowledge is connected and remembered. Teachers possess good subject knowledge and have received high-quality training, particularly in early years education, which encourages exploratory and independent learning.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with staff well-trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills. Many children in the early years make significant progress, and additional support is provided to ensure all pupils keep pace with their peers. However, the quality of reading outcomes in 2023 did not fully reflect the current standards of provision, prompting the school to analyze and address previous weaknesses. The newly developed libraries have been well received by pupils, who are excited about the variety of books available.
Attendance is generally good, with the school actively working to improve attendance among disadvantaged pupils. A consistent approach to behavior management is evident, with staff addressing any behavioral issues promptly. Pupils report feeling treated fairly and consistently by adults, contributing to a positive school culture.
Beyond the curriculum, pupils have access to a range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips that enhance their learning experiences. The school has recently revamped its offerings, including residential trips for older students, and has established various clubs that promote skill development and competition with other schools. The school’s values have also inspired pupils to engage in charitable activities within the local community.
Staff members feel well-supported, with regular reviews of workload and well-being. The governing body maintains a balance of support and challenge, ensuring effective oversight of the school’s operations. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance task design in certain subjects to ensure pupils retain knowledge rather than just recalling activities. Additionally, the formative assessment processes require refinement to accurately identify and address gaps in pupils’ learning. The school is aware of these areas for improvement and is actively working to implement best practices across the board. Overall, Burham Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
