Brenchley and Matfield Church of England Primary School, located in Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 2 and 3, 2024. The headteacher, Jane Mallon, leads the school, which is part of the Tenax School Trust, overseen by interim chief executive officer Richard Tyson and a board of trustees chaired by Simon Curtis. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community and a commitment to its values, which include humility, compassion, grace, forgiveness, and integrity. Pupils embody these values, demonstrating kindness and respect towards one another, which contributes to a safe and happy learning environment.
The school emphasizes a language-rich curriculum that fosters a love for learning. Pupils take pride in their subject-specific vocabulary and engage enthusiastically in their studies. They have a solid understanding of complex terms, which empowers them and boosts their confidence. The inclusive atmosphere of the school allows pupils to collaborate across year groups, and they benefit from positive relationships with staff and peers. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school, noting that their children thrive despite having different needs and personalities.
The curriculum at Brenchley and Matfield is ambitious and well-structured, beginning in Reception and building pupils' language and understanding progressively. The school has effectively sequenced learning, particularly in subjects like geography, where pupils develop mapping skills over time. Staff are adept at identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support that is generally effective. However, there are instances where the support could be improved, particularly in the documentation of pupils' progress.
Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and achieve results in line with national averages at key stages one and two. Most teaching aligns closely with the planned curriculum, with staff utilizing their expertise to deliver clear explanations and engaging tasks. Nonetheless, there are occasions when misconceptions are not adequately addressed, which can hinder pupils' learning and their ability to build on prior knowledge.
The teaching of phonics is a notable strength of the school, with pupils achieving results significantly above the national average in the phonics screening check. The systematic approach to phonics instruction ensures that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with staff modeling positive interactions and fostering a culture of respect from the outset. Pupils feel safe and are well-informed about issues such as bullying, trusting adults to address any concerns.
Brenchley and Matfield Primary School encourages pupils to be active citizens, with initiatives like the Junior Chaplains promoting community involvement. The school aims to instill an accepting and tolerant worldview in its pupils, reflected in its citizenship curriculum and various pupil-led campaigns. The school offers a comprehensive range of extracurricular activities, preparing pupils for future educational stages and life beyond school.
Leadership at the school is characterized by dedication and a focus on staff welfare. Leaders prioritize professional development and ensure that governors and trust leaders fulfill their responsibilities effectively. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, contributing to a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need for improvement in the consistency and effectiveness of curriculum delivery across all subjects. To enhance pupil achievement, the school must support staff in closely following the planned curriculum and ensuring they have the necessary expertise to build on pupils' prior knowledge. Regular checks on pupils' understanding should also be implemented to inform future teaching strategies. Overall, Brenchley and Matfield Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for its pupils.
