Biggin CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

Biggin C of E Primary is a good school that has been rigorous in following up the areas identified for improvement in its last inspection. Despite strengths in most aspects of the school's work, it is not outstanding because more-able pupils are not challenged to reach their full potential in key areas such as writing and mathematics.

Achievement is good. From below average starting points, pupils make good progress to reach above average attainment in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. Disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs make equally good progress.

Pupils respond well to the good teaching they receive in the mixed-age classes. Teachers know their pupils wel...l and in most lessons work is closely tailored to their needs. Teachers' clear explanations, good subject knowledge and use of interesting resources help pupils to make good progress.

Marking is not as detailed in mathematics as it is in English and does not consistently inform pupils what they need to do to improve, to help them make even better progress. Pupils are not given enough opportunities to assess the quality of their own work. In mathematics, pupils are not demonstrating their understanding of their work through systematic methods of working and recording in calculation.

Behaviour is consistently good and pupils have a good understanding of how to keep safe. They take very good care of each other and are proud of the learning environment. They say that bullying is very rare.

Leadership and management are good at all levels, including the leadership of teaching and management of performance. This is because the permanent headteacher has built a strong team who share the same ambitions and aspirations for the pupils in their care.

Information about the school

Biggin Church of England Primary is much smaller than the average village primary school.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The percentage of the school's population who are girls is lower than that seen nationally. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above average.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. Very few pupils are from minority ethnic groups. The school meets the current floor standard, which sets the government's minimum expectations of pupils' attainment and progress at the end of Year 6.

All pupils from Reception to Year 6 are taught in mixed-age classes. The permanent headteacher is currently on long-term sick leave. An executive headteacher has been appointed for one day a week.

A senior teacher leads the school for the remainder of the week and a temporary teacher is covering the absent headteacher's four-day teaching commitment. The school has achieved National Healthy School status, Activemark and the International School's Gold Award. A pre-school on the school site is managed by an outside provider and was inspected separately.