Brookland Church of England Primary School, located in Romney Marsh, Kent, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and supported. Students express pride in their school, describing it as amazing, and they appreciate the close relationships they have with staff who know them well. The school promotes a culture of respect and safety, with pupils understanding the importance of being ready, respectful, and safe. The school's values, encapsulated in the acronym CHOICES, emphasize courage, humility, offering, integrity, commitment, empathy, and service, which pupils can articulate and embody in their daily interactions.
Behaviour at the school is exemplary, with pupils demonstrating calmness and adherence to established routines. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are confident that staff will address any issues promptly. The school encourages leadership among students, who often take initiative in organizing playground activities. The curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can learn effectively. The early years provision lays a strong foundation for future learning, and while there were concerns regarding national test scores, current pupils are making good progress.
Reading and mathematics instruction is particularly strong, with established assessment systems that allow teachers to tailor their teaching to meet pupils' needs. However, some foundation subjects require further development in assessment practices to ensure consistent tracking of pupil knowledge retention over time. Early reading is taught effectively, with targeted support helping children become confident readers. The school collaborates closely with local nurseries to identify and meet the needs of incoming pupils, especially those with SEND.
The learning environment is positive, with pupils eager to engage and articulate their understanding. Classrooms are orderly, and pupils recognize the importance of school rules in maintaining a safe and happy atmosphere. However, attendance remains a concern, with some pupils missing too much school, which impacts their learning.
Personal development is a standout feature of the school, deeply rooted in its values. Pupils demonstrate acceptance and understanding of others, engaging thoughtfully in discussions about community and support. The school offers a variety of trips and experiences that broaden pupils' horizons, including theatre visits and outdoor learning opportunities that reinforce classroom learning.
Leadership at Brookland is effective, with leaders aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They work collaboratively with governors and local authority partners to evaluate their impact and drive development. Recent curriculum enhancements have led to improved learning opportunities for pupils.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to identify and respond to pupil needs swiftly. The school fosters a culture of safety, teaching pupils about online safety and well-being. Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school must address high levels of persistent absence to ensure all pupils can fully benefit from the education provided. Additionally, leaders need to implement a systematic approach to assessment in foundation subjects to match the effectiveness seen in core subjects.
