Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, located in Gravesend, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Pamela Gough, the school is part of the Aletheia Academies Trust, which provides additional support and oversight. The trust is led by CEO Stephen Carey and a board of trustees chaired by Mark Till.
The school community is characterized by its diversity, with pupils expressing pride in their school and feeling welcomed and supported by the caring ethos of the staff. The values of respect, honesty, and love are embraced by students from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, contributing to a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Older students, such as Year 6 prefects and sports leaders, serve as role models for younger pupils, while elected pupil mediators help resolve conflicts during breaks.
Students appreciate the wide range of extracurricular activities offered, including sports clubs, artistic endeavors, and performances. They take pride in participating in school plays and concerts, often expressing how supportive their teachers are in helping them overcome nerves and build confidence.
The school has made significant strides in improving its curriculum quality, with passionate teachers dedicated to their subjects. Effective lesson planning has been implemented, although the impact varies across subjects. Some pupils still struggle with using subject-specific vocabulary, which affects their ability to grasp concepts fully. The school is aware of this challenge and is committed to ensuring that the ambitious curriculum is consistently taught, enabling all pupils to achieve high standards.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with tailored assistance provided in lessons to facilitate learning alongside peers. The school effectively secures external support for those with more complex needs, ensuring that all support is well-considered and effective.
The trust has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education, particularly in early years, where improvements have been noted. Children are now better prepared for their transition into key stage one, with a focus on developing essential skills, such as fine motor skills. Reading is emphasized across all stages, with well-trained staff supporting early readers to build confidence and fluency.
Behaviour in lessons is generally calm and purposeful, supported by high expectations and clear routines. During social times, pupils interact positively, aided by organized play activities. However, attendance remains a concern, with some pupils not attending regularly, which hinders their learning. The school has initiated processes to improve attendance, and these efforts are beginning to show positive results.
Cultural awareness is fostered through the celebration of various festivals, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the pupils. This initiative strengthens community links and enhances pupils' understanding of the world. The personal, social, and health education curriculum prepares students for life beyond school, and pupils find these lessons beneficial. The school actively monitors club attendance to ensure inclusivity, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The school recognizes the need to continue improving specific areas, particularly in teaching subject knowledge and vocabulary, and in enhancing attendance rates. Overall, Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
