St Mark's Church of England Primary School in Eccles, Aylesford, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in March 2022. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming atmosphere where pupils are eager to learn and engage actively in their lessons. Parents express satisfaction with the school, noting that their children come home happy and excited about their day. The school fosters a friendly and respectful environment, with older students taking on roles as mentors to younger pupils, promoting a sense of community and safety.
Leadership at St Mark's has focused on enhancing the curriculum and raising expectations for all students. While there is recognition of the need for further development in certain subject areas, leaders are committed to ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom. The school provides opportunities for outdoor learning and a variety of extracurricular activities, enriching the educational experience for pupils. The curriculum is designed to prepare students effectively for their future educational journeys.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has made strides in reorganizing subject leadership and revitalizing the curriculum. Each subject has a structured pathway from Reception through to the end of key stage two, emphasizing the development of essential skills. However, leaders acknowledge that the curriculum planning requires further refinement to specify the knowledge pupils should acquire at each stage.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and collaborate effectively in planning lessons. This collaborative approach has led to successful learning experiences, particularly in subjects like geography, where pupils can connect their current learning to prior knowledge. The school places a high priority on early reading, with effective phonics instruction starting in Reception. Most pupils achieve fluency in reading by the end of key stage one, although some weaker readers require additional support to progress.
Mathematics instruction is well-structured, with teachers employing effective strategies to ensure pupils understand the material. Students enjoy mathematics and are able to apply their skills across different subjects. The school also provides strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they learn alongside their peers.
Communication between parents and staff is generally positive, although some parents have expressed frustration with the variety of communication methods used. Leaders are encouraged to streamline these systems to enhance clarity and accessibility for all parents. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating kindness and consideration towards one another, which contributes to a positive school culture.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and maintaining a vigilant approach to student welfare. The school has established clear systems for reporting concerns, and leaders work with external agencies when necessary to support pupils in need.
While the school has made significant progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to continue refining the curriculum in science and other foundation subjects to ensure that key knowledge is clearly identified and sequenced. Additionally, support for weaker readers must be better organized to facilitate their progress. Overall, St Mark's Church of England Primary School is committed to providing a high-quality education and is well-prepared for future challenges.
