Whitehill Primary School, located in Gravesend, Kent, was inspected on 27 and 28 February 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also needing improvement. However, the school demonstrates good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as in personal development, while early years provision is rated as good.
The headteacher, Angela Carpenter, leads the school, which is part of The Decus Educational Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Geoff Wybar and a board of trustees chaired by Graham Stedman. The school aims to foster an inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to be harmonious, autonomous, noble, determined, and spirited. Since the last inspection, there has been notable improvement in pupil behavior, with playtimes now being happier and safer. Pupils feel supported by staff in resolving their concerns, and pastoral support is effective in helping them manage their emotions.
The school offers a range of enriching activities, including assemblies and community events, which contribute to pupils' personal development. Initiatives such as visits from community officers and pupil-led assemblies on topics like neurodiversity enhance the school experience. The early years provision is particularly strong, providing a nurturing environment with high expectations. However, as pupils progress through the school, their academic achievement remains low. The curriculum, which had previously been narrowed, is now more comprehensive, but inconsistencies in teaching and assessment hinder overall pupil performance.
While the school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, there are still gaps in teaching quality that need to be addressed. The introduction of a new reading program in September 2023 aims to improve phonics achievement, which was previously below the national average. Staff training has been implemented to ensure effective delivery of this program, and additional support measures are in place to help pupils become confident readers.
Despite improvements in behavior and attendance, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, the school faces challenges in ensuring that all subjects are taught effectively. Some subjects lack clearly defined knowledge goals, leading to inconsistent learning outcomes. Feedback mechanisms for pupils also require enhancement, as mistakes are sometimes overlooked, preventing students from understanding their progress.
The school promotes personal development through diverse extracurricular activities and a well-structured PSHE curriculum. Pupils engage in discussions about moral issues and demonstrate an understanding of safety and healthy relationships. However, stakeholder engagement remains a challenge, with some parents expressing concerns about communication and their children's progress. Staff morale is mixed, with some feeling positive while others report low morale.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the school must focus on clearly identifying essential knowledge across all subjects, ensuring that lessons consistently reinforce this knowledge. Additionally, addressing misconceptions and providing timely feedback will be crucial for enhancing pupil achievement. Strengthening communication with parents and staff will also be vital in fostering a supportive school community. Overall, while Whitehill Primary School has made progress in certain areas, significant work remains to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
