St George’s Church of England Foundation School, located in Broadstairs, Kent, was inspected on 12-13 June 2019 and received a rating of good overall. The headteacher demonstrates exceptional leadership, fostering a culture of high expectations and moral purpose among staff and students. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement and has a thorough understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. Teaching quality is consistently strong across all key stages, with teachers effectively planning lessons and utilizing their subject knowledge to engage students. However, there is a noted need for greater challenge for the most able pupils to ensure they reach their full potential.
Pupils make strong progress in various subjects, supported by effective feedback that helps them address mistakes and misconceptions. The school environment is nurturing, with strong relationships between staff and pupils, contributing to a positive school culture. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior in lessons and throughout the school, demonstrating a high level of respect for one another and valuing their education, as evidenced by high attendance rates.
The curriculum is tailored to meet the diverse needs of pupils, and early years provision is effective in developing foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. However, some staff require further training to fully understand and support children with special educational needs and disabilities. In the sixth form, students benefit from well-planned teaching and a curriculum that aligns with their needs, receiving high-quality careers advice that prepares them for future opportunities.
Governance is strong, with knowledgeable governors who hold leaders accountable and understand the local context. They monitor additional funding for disadvantaged pupils effectively, although there is still room for improvement in ensuring these pupils make as much progress as their peers. The school’s values are deeply embedded in the curriculum and daily activities, promoting a strong sense of community and belonging among pupils.
To further improve, the school should focus on increasing the challenge in lessons for the most able pupils, enhancing the progress of disadvantaged pupils, particularly in key stage four, and ensuring consistent support for children with special educational needs in early years. The school’s safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety and well-trained staff who prioritize the well-being of all pupils.
Overall, St George’s Church of England Foundation School is a good school with outstanding leadership and management, providing a supportive and challenging environment for all pupils. The commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of students is evident, making it a positive place for learning and personal development. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address the areas identified for further development, ensuring that all pupils achieve their best.
