Hoo St Werburgh Primary School and the Marlborough

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Trustees, governors and leaders have secured significant improvements in teaching and pupils' outcomes in the past two years. Good-quality teaching ensures that pupils in all key stages, and those who attend the Marlborough Centre, learn well.

Standards in reading, writing and mathematics increased substantially at the end of key stage 2 in 2018. Leaders, governors and trustees have reviewed and updated the curriculum in the past two years. As a result, pupils develop secure knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects.

They are well prepared for the next stage of their education. The trust has played a key role in supporting and guid...ing the school during a period of rapid change. Pupils are exceptionally polite and well behaved.

They value their education and enthuse about learning. Pupils' personal development is outstanding. They feel valued, secure and very safe in school.

Skilful leadership and effective teaching ensure that children make consistently strong progress during early years. Middle leaders' roles are not yet fully developed. Some middle leaders are clearer about their roles and responsibilities than others.

Minor weaknesses in the quality of teaching across the school lead to variations in pupils' progress. Pupils are not challenged consistently, especially the most able pupils.

Information about this school

The school converted to academy status in September 2016, when it joined the Rivermead Inclusive Trust.

The trust and the local governing body work together closely to oversee the management of the school. There have been a number of staff changes since the previous inspection, including at senior leadership level. The headteacher of the main school was new to post in September 2018, while the head of the Marlborough Centre was appointed in February 2018.

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is in line with that found in most primary schools. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above the national average.

Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The school has a specially resourced provision, called the Marlborough Centre, for pupils who have autistic spectrum disorder.

There are 64 pupils, from Reception to Year 6, currently attending the Marlborough Centre. Most have complex needs and attend the centre on a full time basis. A small number of pupils also participate in lessons in the mainstream classes.

All pupils who attend the Marlborough Centre have a statement of special educational needs. The school's Nursery opened in January 2018. The Nursery caters for children aged three to five years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

The school does not have provision for two-year-olds. Children in the two Reception classes attend full-time. The school has an early morning club, which is managed by the governing body.

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