Folkestone St. Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 and 20 October 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe and valued, supported by staff who are attentive to their needs. The Christian ethos of the school is appreciated by students, who understand the importance of values such as friendship, service, compassion, and forgiveness. The school promotes respectful interactions among pupils, teaching them how to resolve conflicts amicably.
High expectations are set for all students, with a focus on ensuring they keep pace with their learning. If any pupil falls behind, tailored support is provided to help them catch up. The curriculum is particularly strong in mathematics, where students express enjoyment in their learning. Behaviour management is effective, with motivated learners across all classes. Staff are trained to identify early signs of bullying, which is addressed promptly. The school council plays an active role in maintaining a positive culture, conducting regular checks for bullying in the playground.
Parents commend the school for recognizing each child's unique strengths and achievements, and they appreciate initiatives like the weekly hot chocolate sessions with the headteacher for pupils who consistently adhere to school rules. The curriculum in English and mathematics is well-developed, with early years education focusing on essential communication and language skills. This foundation prepares children for the phonics programme in Reception, where all staff are committed to ensuring every child learns to read. Additional support is provided for those at risk of falling behind, including specialized speech and language programmes.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured and effectively delivered, supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has shifted from subject-specialist teaching to a model where class teachers cover all subjects, which has highlighted the need for clearer knowledge progression in subjects like history and geography. Leaders are aware of the necessity to define specific learning objectives to ensure continuity and coherence in teaching.
The school emphasizes active citizenship, encouraging pupils to engage with their community and advocate for positive changes. For instance, Year 6 students are currently writing to their local MP regarding accessibility improvements at the beach. The curriculum also includes an international perspective, broadening pupils' understanding of global communities.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils develop the necessary learning behaviours for future success. The headteacher has implemented effective behaviour management systems, resulting in significant improvements in pupil behaviour over time. The leadership team shares a clear vision for the school, focusing on supporting those who need it most, referred to as 'championed children.'
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Clear procedures are in place for reporting concerns, and leaders proactively address local community risks through the curriculum. The school has identified areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all teachers possess sufficient subject-specific knowledge to effectively build on prior learning. Professional development for staff will be aligned with curriculum goals to enhance teaching quality across all subjects. Overall, Folkestone St. Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
