Sir Henry Fermor Church of England Primary School in Crowborough, East Sussex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The headteacher, Vicki Edwards, leads the school, which is part of the Tenax Schools Trust, overseen by interim CEO Richard Tyson and a board of trustees chaired by Simon Curtis. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils are thoughtful, considerate, and exhibit good behavior both in lessons and during break times. They demonstrate care and friendliness, ensuring inclusivity, particularly for those on the buddy bench. Pupils feel secure in expressing concerns, knowing that staff will address them promptly and fairly.
Teachers at the school maintain high expectations for pupil conduct and achievement, employing consistent reminders to help students stay calm and focused. The positive attitudes towards learning are evident, with pupils listening attentively and concentrating well. For instance, Reception children displayed remarkable perseverance while following instructions to create outdoor houses despite inclement weather. Pupils take pride in their school and engage in various responsibilities that promote leadership skills, such as acting as classroom monitors and participating in the Eco-Group to monitor energy use and recycling. The school council, elected by classmates, allows pupils to voice their opinions, while Year 6 head boy and girl serve as ambassadors for the school.
The curriculum at Sir Henry Fermor is ambitious and well-structured, thoughtfully considering essential information for pupils to learn. The school effectively allows pupils to revisit and build upon prior knowledge. However, in some subjects, particularly mathematics, the curriculum is not yet fully embedded, which affects some pupils' learning outcomes. Teachers accurately identify pupils' needs and provide a variety of support and adaptations for those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the full curriculum and achieve well.
Staff demonstrate sound subject knowledge, designing engaging activities that challenge pupils and encourage the development of problem-solving and reasoning skills. Teachers rigorously check pupils' understanding through various assessments, using the information to identify those who may need additional support. Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for reading, discussing a wide range of texts with excitement. Phonics instruction is delivered effectively, enabling pupils to read fluently and confidently, with timely support for those requiring extra help.
The school emphasizes building warm relationships between staff and pupils, with clear expectations for behavior. Classrooms are calm and purposeful, fostering an environment where pupils feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Attendance is closely monitored, and the school collaborates with external agencies to support pupil attendance. The curriculum also includes important concepts such as consent and healthy relationships, enhanced through assemblies and discussions. Enrichment activities, including trips to local sites, further enhance the curriculum and promote understanding of diversity and historical contexts.
Staff welfare and workload are managed carefully, with ample support and training opportunities available to improve subject knowledge and confidence in delivering the curriculum. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school has many strengths, it must focus on fully embedding the new curriculum in all subjects to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential. This inspection marks the first ungraded inspection since the school was last judged to be good in February 2019, reflecting the ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
