St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, located in Sheerness, Kent, is the smallest school on the Isle of Sheppey, fostering a close-knit community where families and the school collaborate effectively. Despite being situated in one of the most deprived areas of the southeast, the school promotes a culture of motivation and aspiration among its pupils, who are encouraged to improve their life chances. The school environment is welcoming, and students feel safe and nurtured, trusting the adults around them for support and guidance. The inclusive and kind nature of the pupils is largely attributed to the strong foundation they receive in the Reception class.
The school has clear aspirations for all its pupils, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds and faiths. This diversity is embraced, and pupils are encouraged to meet high expectations in their behavior and conduct. They display eagerness to learn and enjoy their educational experiences. However, the achievements of pupils in previous key stage two assessments have not yet aligned with the school’s ambitious goals. The school’s strong Catholic vision and values are evident in the pupils’ conduct, supported by various trips and experiences that broaden their horizons and instill a sense of ambition. Leadership roles, such as peer mentoring and caring for the school dog, are embraced by the pupils, ensuring that disadvantaged students also benefit from these opportunities.
The school excels in providing an exceptional start to education, particularly in the early years. Staff are adept at dismantling barriers to learning, and children engage joyfully with well-structured routines. The curriculum is meticulously planned, focusing on developing language and attention, especially in early reading and mathematics. Children demonstrate their phonics skills independently during activities, and all pupils, including those with special educational needs, achieve well.
Pupils exhibit a love for learning, with a curriculum designed to build confidence incrementally. The school has identified key knowledge and the sequence in which it should be taught, ensuring that pupils understand their place in the world through subjects like geography. Staff receive meaningful professional development to enhance their teaching, particularly for pupils with special educational needs. However, while staff check for understanding of key vocabulary, they do not consistently assess pupils’ comprehension of this language, leading to gaps in learning that have not been addressed promptly. Consequently, pupils have not achieved the expected levels by the end of key stage two.
Reading is prioritized, with both pupils and staff viewing it as essential and enjoyable. The school has successfully increased engagement with reading outside of school, resulting in a significant rise in home reading rates. Younger pupils benefit from an effective phonics program, leading to positive outcomes in phonics screening checks. The school sets clear expectations for behavior from the Reception class onward, fostering respectful and kind interactions among pupils. They are equipped with the language skills to express their feelings and manage their emotions effectively, contributing to a focused learning environment with minimal disruption.
The school promotes a sense of community and purpose, providing experiences that support the curriculum and broaden pupils’ perspectives beyond their local area. The approach to personal, social, health, and economic education is carefully adapted, and staff model the school’s values of love, respect, and achievement. The school is actively addressing previous underachievement, with leaders receiving training and support to enhance educational outcomes for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged. The governing body is well-informed and plays an active role in supporting and challenging the school. Overall, the school is committed to continuous improvement and the betterment of its community.
