St Katharine’s Knockholt Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is recognized as a good school, as confirmed by its recent inspection on 15 and 16 November 2022. The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel proud to be part of a close-knit learning community. Relationships among staff, families, and pupils are characterized by warmth, respect, and support. High expectations for behavior are set by school leaders, and pupils demonstrate a willingness to engage with one another’s views, treating each other with kindness. The school has established effective measures to address any incidents of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel confident in the support they receive from staff.
Pupils express excitement about their connection with a school in The Gambia, having raised funds for improvements there. They enjoy sharing letters and video messages, which enrich their understanding of life in another culture. The school encourages pupils to step outside their comfort zones through various activities, including residential trips and competitions, such as designing and racing go-karts. Participation in local sports events is high, with pupils representing the school in swimming, netball, football, cricket, and athletics. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs, including gymnastics, sewing, gardening, yoga, and board games, contributing to high attendance rates.
The curriculum is well-planned and engaging, with teachers making lessons enjoyable. Leaders demonstrate high ambition for all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that no pupil is left behind. Effective assessments are used to identify individual needs, and the SENDCo provides training to staff to support various learning requirements. The phonics program in early years is effective, enabling children to learn sounds quickly and develop reading skills. Staff promote a love of reading, and pupils show enthusiasm for both stories and non-fiction.
Mathematics teaching begins in early years, with children frequently exploring numbers and developing mathematical vocabulary. The curriculum encourages an inquisitive approach, allowing pupils to improve their skills through investigative work. The history curriculum is also well-developed, with pupils acquiring skills such as debating the reliability of historical sources. However, leaders recognize that some aspects of the curriculum are not yet fully embedded, particularly in foundation subjects, which may affect pupils' retention of knowledge.
Behavior throughout the school is excellent, with lessons remaining undisturbed and playtimes being safe and enjoyable. Opportunities for broader development are diverse, including community engagement and enrichment activities that promote outdoor learning, dance, and music. Staff feel valued and supported, contributing to high well-being and manageable workloads. The headteacher is recognized for her dedication and expertise, leading by example.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to identify risks and pupils educated on staying safe, including recognizing online dangers. Leaders maintain communication with external agencies when families require additional support. The school’s recruitment practices ensure diligence in safeguarding measures.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum is fully embedded across all subjects, particularly in design and technology. Additionally, targeted support for specific pupils whose writing skills have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary to help them achieve their potential. Overall, St Katharine’s Knockholt Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
