Amherst School, located in Riverhead, Kent, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good educational institution. The inspection conducted on May 10 and 11, 2022, highlighted several strengths of the school, particularly in the areas of behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, both of which were rated as outstanding. The quality of education and leadership and management were rated as good, reflecting a solid foundation for student learning and growth.
The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere where leaders are committed to ensuring that every child flourishes. Pupils express a strong sense of belonging and enjoyment in their school experience, largely due to the extensive range of opportunities available to them. The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music clubs, chess, and juggling, which contribute to a well-rounded education. This diverse offering helps to foster confidence and self-assurance among students, who demonstrate exceptional behavior and attitudes that align with the school’s core values of trust, kindness, determination, politeness, fairness, and cooperation. Instances of bullying are rare, and students feel safe, trusting the adults in the school to address any issues that may arise.
Parents and pupils alike take pride in being part of the Amherst School community. Feedback from parents underscores the school’s ability to create an environment where every child can thrive, with one parent noting the welcoming and positive atmosphere that supports educational success. The leadership team has developed a broad and varied curriculum that engages pupils and nurtures a love of learning. Recent efforts have focused on further strengthening the curriculum to enhance student learning outcomes.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas identified for improvement. Leaders have prioritized enhancing the quality of education by reviewing the curriculum and determining the essential knowledge and skills pupils should acquire by the end of Year 6. In core subjects like English and mathematics, established approaches enable pupils to build on their previous learning effectively. However, in some foundation subjects, such as geography and art, leaders recognize the need to clarify the specific knowledge they want pupils to learn. This gap has resulted in some pupils not securing their understanding in these subjects.
The school employs effective methods to check pupils’ understanding and identify knowledge gaps, particularly in English, mathematics, and science. However, the assessment processes in some other subjects are not as robust, which can hinder teachers' ability to tailor future lessons based on students' needs. Consequently, in a minority of subjects, learning does not always build on prior knowledge as effectively as it could.
Amherst School places a strong emphasis on reading, with leaders ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the necessary support to become enthusiastic readers. The English curriculum is designed to engage pupils with high-quality texts, and initiatives like book projects have proven beneficial in enhancing writing skills. The integration of literature with other curriculum areas, such as history, further enriches the learning experience.
Personal development is a key focus at Amherst School, with the motto Inspire Every Pupil evident throughout school life. Pupils learn about various faiths and cultures, fostering an appreciation for diversity and the importance of different beliefs in society. Strong relationships between adults and pupils contribute to a positive school environment.
Leadership at the school is characterized by a commitment to staff well-being and professional development. Governors play an active role in the school’s culture, providing constructive challenges to leaders, who are receptive to feedback. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
In summary, Amherst School is a commendable institution that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for growth, particularly in refining the curriculum and assessment practices in certain subjects, the school’s strengths in leadership, personal development, and the quality of education position it well for continued success. The commitment to fostering a safe and engaging learning environment is evident, making it a valued part of the local community.
