St Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School in Chatham, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection, with the evaluation highlighting several strengths and areas for improvement. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on 15 and 16 October 2024, and the school has maintained a positive reputation since its previous outstanding inspection in February 2013.
Pupils at St Thomas More enjoy attending school, benefiting from a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The school prioritizes the well-being of its students, fostering trusting relationships between staff and pupils. This inclusive environment is particularly beneficial for those facing challenges in their lives, as the school promotes respect and acceptance among students from diverse backgrounds. The commitment to helping all pupils achieve their best, regardless of their starting points, is evident, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Overall, pupils are achieving well and are engaged in a variety of learning opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, including forest school sessions.
The curriculum at St Thomas More is broad and ambitious, with a clear focus on essential skills, knowledge, and vocabulary. This curriculum is well-sequenced from Reception to Year 6, ensuring that pupils are prepared for their next stages of learning. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge, particularly in mathematics and science, where effective questioning helps reinforce understanding and vocabulary. However, there are occasional inconsistencies in how well activities align with intended learning outcomes, which can affect the depth of pupils' learning.
The school effectively identifies the needs of its pupils, and the provision for those with special educational needs is well-organized, including support from external agencies. Nevertheless, adaptations made in lessons do not always meet the specific needs of all pupils as effectively as possible. Reading is a high priority, with a structured phonics program in place that encourages a love for reading from an early age. Pupils are introduced to a diverse range of high-quality texts, fostering their development as confident readers.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate good behavior throughout the school. They understand and uphold school rules, contributing to a calm and supportive learning environment. Opportunities for discussion and collaboration are integrated into lessons, promoting respect for differing opinions. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and cultural experiences, which help broaden pupils' interests and skills.
The staff at St Thomas More form a strong and supportive team, committed to their roles and the well-being of their students. They appreciate the leadership's consideration of their workload and well-being, and there is a focus on professional development for all staff members. Parents are supportive of the school, and governors are actively working to challenge and support school leaders to ensure continued improvement.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. The implementation of the curriculum needs to be more consistent to ensure that all pupils can effectively consolidate their prior knowledge and apply it to more complex ideas. Additionally, there is a need for a shared understanding of how to adapt the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs to ensure they can fully engage and achieve within the curriculum. Overall, St Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School is a nurturing environment that promotes the holistic development of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement.
