Folkestone, St Martin’s Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The headteacher leads the school exceptionally well. The headteacher, senior leaders and governors have worked with relentless determination to successfully improve the school since the previous inspection. Pupils' achievement has improved considerably.

By the end of Year 6, pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is well above the national average. All groups of pupils make outstanding progress from their starting points, including disabled pupils, those with who have special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils. The proportion of most able pupils who reach the higher levels of attainment by the end of Year ...2 and Year 6 is above that found nationally.

The proportion is particularly high by the end of Year 6 in mathematics and reading. Teachers have high expectations of pupils. Teaching is exciting and challenging and inspires pupils to develop a love of learning.

There are excellent relationships between staff and pupils, so pupils work hard and want to do well. Provision in the early years is excellent and, as a result, children are very well prepared to continue their learning in Year 1. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They behave equally well in lessons, in the playground and around the school. They are extremely polite and respectful to each other and to adults. They live up to and promote the school's values exceptionally well.

Rigorous and consistently applied procedures ensure that pupils feel very safe and secure in school. Pupils know who to talk to should they have any concerns. Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning and are great ambassadors for their school.

Governors have an excellent understanding of the school and how well pupils achieve. They hold leaders to account very effectively. Parents are very positive about all aspects of the school's work.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above average.

The proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium is below average. The pupil premium is additional government funding for disadvantaged pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and for children who are looked after. The school also receives a service premium for pupils from service families, currently just under 10% of the school.

The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics. Provision is made for the early years in a Reception class which children attend full time. The school provides a daily breakfast club managed by the governing body.