St Francis Catholic Primary School in Maidstone has been evaluated as a good school overall, with consistent strengths across various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. However, early years provision has been identified as requiring improvement. The school community actively embodies its Catholic mission, celebrating diversity with 35 languages spoken among pupils. The annual diversity week is a highlight, allowing families to share their customs and traditions, fostering an inclusive environment where pupils enjoy learning about different cultures.
Pupils at St Francis are cheerful, well-behaved, and eager to make a positive impact. They demonstrate a clear understanding of right and wrong and feel supported by adults in the school, particularly when it comes to addressing bullying. The outdoor space is thoughtfully designed to promote organized play, which enhances physical development and social skills. The school offers a variety of clubs and trips that pupils fondly remember, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
Academic expectations are high, and pupils generally achieve well, preparing them for the next stage of their education. However, there are concerns regarding the early years, where children do not consistently develop literacy skills and other knowledge as effectively as possible before entering key stage one. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, reflecting the school’s community and Catholic values. By the end of key stage two, pupils typically achieve above national expectations.
The school has identified key knowledge and skills across subjects, but there is still work to be done in ensuring that early years education lays a solid foundation for future learning. Planning in early years lacks precision, which can hinder children’s readiness for the national curriculum in Year one. While the curriculum is relatively new in some subjects, teachers are beginning to implement it effectively, demonstrating good subject knowledge and engaging pupils in their learning.
Reading is actively promoted, with pupils developing language and vocabulary through diverse literature. The school is implementing a new phonics program, and staff are trained to teach reading, spelling, and writing effectively. However, in early years, there is a need for more effective practice in letter formation and sentence writing within the phonics framework.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with early identification of needs and close collaboration with parents. The school provides additional learning spaces for therapies and extra instruction, helping these pupils succeed across the curriculum. Behavior management is effective, with clear rules and routines that help pupils navigate the school environment sensibly. Older pupils serve as role models, assisting younger students in settling in and playing together harmoniously.
Pupils are respectful of other faiths and engage in social, moral, spiritual, and cultural development opportunities. They take on responsibilities and contribute positively to the school community. The governing body, though new, shows a good understanding of its role in the school’s strategic direction and is proactive in ensuring that priorities are met.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, creating a safe environment for all pupils. However, to improve, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum is consistently embedded across all subjects and that staff are supported in developing their expertise. Additionally, the early years curriculum requires a review to ensure that children build their knowledge securely, preparing them adequately for Year one. Overall, St Francis Catholic Primary School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with clear pathways for improvement identified.
