St Michael’s Church of England Primary School in Tenterden, Kent, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school, which is part of the Tenterden Schools Trust, is led by headteachers Sara Williamson and Jo Paskhin. The inspection took place on October 1 and 2, 2024, and the school was rated as good in all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils at St Michael’s demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for learning, which is evident in their hard work and engagement in discussions about their subjects. The school fosters a supportive environment where students feel safe and valued. The routines established in early years help children adapt and thrive, contributing to a positive school culture. The pupils are polite and exhibit good behaviour, knowing that staff are attentive to their concerns. The school also provides effective emotional support, including play therapy sessions to help students express their feelings.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills in a logical sequence. The school has placed a strong emphasis on phonics and writing, addressing previous challenges in these areas. While phonics instruction is delivered consistently and effectively, there are inconsistencies in the teaching of writing, which has led to some pupils struggling with letter formation and spelling. The school recognizes the need to enhance its writing program to ensure all students achieve proficiency in this critical area.
St Michael’s effectively identifies the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are well-trained to support these students, and the school collaborates with external agencies to provide additional assistance, such as speech and language therapy. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and utilize high-quality training to deliver clear and engaging lessons. They monitor pupil understanding closely and address misconceptions promptly.
The school actively promotes reading, with a diverse selection of high-quality texts that enrich the learning experience. Younger pupils are matched with books that align with their phonics knowledge, and regular reading sessions encourage a love for literature. The school’s commitment to personal development is evident through various enrichment activities, including educational trips and leadership opportunities for pupils. These experiences help students develop a broader understanding of the world and foster a sense of responsibility within the school community.
Behaviour management is handled effectively, with a rigorous approach to tracking incidents and supporting vulnerable pupils. Attendance has improved significantly due to proactive measures taken by the school. The governing body provides a strong balance of support and challenge, ensuring that school leaders are held accountable for their performance.
While the school has many strengths, it acknowledges areas for improvement. The newly introduced writing program needs to be fully embedded to ensure consistency in teaching and better outcomes for pupils. Additionally, the use of assessment in some subjects requires refinement to accurately identify learning gaps and inform teaching strategies. By addressing these areas, St Michael’s aims to enhance its educational provision further and continue to support all pupils in achieving their potential. Overall, the inspection report highlights the school’s dedication to fostering a positive learning environment and its commitment to continuous improvement.
