Exceptional Outcomes for DA pupils

Our schools, South Borough Primary School and Beaver Green Primary School, have been recognised nationally for their excellent attainment for disadvantaged pupils. The schools each received a personal letter of congratulations from the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, recognising that their school’s outcomes for pupils facing additional barriers to learning are among the strongest nationally.

We're proud that both schools serve their local communities - South Borough in Maidstone and Beaver Green in Ashford - and work hard to ensure all pupils, whatever their starting points, are supported to achieve well. Our school leaders here say this recognition is particularly meaningful as it reflects their focus on inclusion, high expectations and ensuring every child can thrive.

To help all children achieve their best, both schools provide targeted breakfast provisions, access to forest school activities and are effectively working with their Family Liaison Officers to build relationships with vulnerable families. South Borough also utilises online learning platforms, makes use of local support offers in Kent, including Dandelion Time (a nature-based organisation that helps children struggling with their wellbeing), provides additional cookery classes and has successfully implemented Hive, a bespoke in-house provision, for their SEND learners. Meanwhile, Beaver Green offers free spaces at aftercare provision and bespoke tutoring for families who need it most. Beaver Green also has an extensive mental health offer, including the use of Thrive practitioners and Mental Health First Aiders.

As a result, South Borough Primary School’s end of KS2 results for disadvantaged children for the last academic year were: Reading - 90% of pupils at Expected+; Writing - 79% of pupils at Expected+; and Maths saw 72% at Expected+.

Meanwhile, Beaver Green Primary School’s end of KS2 results for disadvantaged children were: Reading - 68% at Expected+ ; Writing - 74% of pupils at Expected+ ; and Maths - 74% achieving Expected+.

Following this success, both our schools here will now become hubs of effective practice through the Department for Education’s RISE programme (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence). This means the schools will support other schools on their improvement journeys and share expertise across the wider education system.

Tina Oakley, Headteacher at Beaver Green Primary School, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for our pupils and staff, and we’re delighted that the success of our learners has been recognised at a national level. We’re committed to ensuring that every child has the best possible start, and this letter reflects the impact of the high-quality teaching, care and support that our team provides every day. We look forward to sharing what has worked well through the RISE programme and continuing to learn and enhance our provision alongside other schools too.”

Mathew Currie, Headteacher at South Borough Primary School, added:

“We’re incredibly proud to have received this recognition, which reflects our school value of determination, and the dedication and ambition of our staff, pupils and families. At South Borough, we work hard to ensure that every child feels supported, valued and capable of achieving their very best. This national acknowledgement reflects the strength of our whole school community and our shared commitment to helping every child feel confident and ready for their next stage of education.”

Julie Prentice, Director of Primary at Swale Academies Trust, said:

“We’re extremely proud of both South Borough Primary School and Beaver Green Primary School for receiving this recognition from the Education Secretary. This achievement reflects the strength of the teaching, leadership and care in both schools, and the high expectations they hold for every child. Congratulations to the schools for this outstanding achievement!”