Parish Church of England Primary School in Bromley, Kent, received a positive inspection report following its first routine inspection since becoming an academy. The school is led by headteacher Rachel Coleman and is part of the Aquinas Church of England Education Trust. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision receiving outstanding ratings. The school has not been previously inspected under the current framework, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils at the school demonstrate pride in their institution and actively embody the school’s values. They engage in community activities, such as leading sessions on generosity, and show respect and kindness towards one another. The school environment is safe, with staff readily available to address any concerns pupils may have. Behaviour is exemplary, with clear routines established from early years that are quickly adopted by students. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour, resulting in calm transitions and minimal disruption during lessons.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to learn effectively. Leaders regularly review subjects to ensure they meet the needs and interests of the students. For instance, reading materials have been updated to reflect the diversity of the school community. The school emphasizes the importance of reading, with a structured phonics program in place from Reception Year, enabling pupils to become proficient readers quickly.
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and receive tailored training to enhance their teaching practices. They effectively check pupils' understanding and address any gaps in knowledge before progressing. In early years, the school identifies children needing additional support and implements measures to assist their learning. However, there are instances where the support for older pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could be improved by breaking down learning goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, with many engaging in clubs and enrichment opportunities. Leadership roles are available for all Year 6 pupils, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement. The school prepares students well for their transition to secondary education, with a strong focus on personal development.
The school maintains effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring a safe learning environment for all pupils. Leaders have high expectations for attendance and work closely with parents to minimize absences. The school engages well with the community, exemplified by initiatives like the weekly community hub, which fosters connections among parents, staff, and guest speakers.
The trust overseeing the school provides valuable support and challenge, benefiting both the school and the wider trust community. Overall, the inspection highlighted the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils. Areas for improvement include enhancing the support for pupils with SEND in upper years to ensure they can progress effectively through the curriculum. The school’s vision to transform lives through learning is shared by staff, who feel supported in their roles, contributing to the overall success of the school.
