Thurnham Church of England Infant School
| Type | Primary / Voluntary controlled school |
| Age Range | 5-7 |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | The Landway Bearsted Maidstone Kent ME14 4BL |
| Reference Number | 118629 |
Thurnham Church of England Infant School is performing well following its inspection, achieving overall effectiveness rated as good. Despite a lengthy gap since its last inspection in 2009, during which the school was exempt from routine evaluations, the current assessment highlights strong performance across various domains. Key strengths include a nurturing environment where pupils feel valued, exceptional pastoral care, and effective reading instruction that promotes fluency and a love for reading. The curriculum is ambitious and well-planned, particularly in subjects like mathematics and history, leading to high pupil achievement. However, some areas need improvement, notably in writing and certain foundation subjects like art and computing, where teaching does not consistently reinforce knowledge and skills. Additionally, while behavior is generally good, there are concerns about some pupils' respect for property and school routines. Leaders are aware and taking steps to foster a more respectful school culture. Overall, the school is on a positive trajectory, with supportive leadership and a healthy school community atmosphere.
General Makeup
| Number of pupils | 270 |
| Boy/Girl ratio |
Boys: 52.59%
Girls: 47.41% |
| Percentage of students eligible for free school meals | 3.7% |
| Percentage of students where English is not their first language | 8.9% |
Class Sizes
| Average size of one teacher classes | 30 |
| Average size of Key Stage 1 classes taught by one teacher | 30 |
Year Groups
| Year | Boys | Girls | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 | 40 | 90 |
| 2 | 49 | 41 | 90 |
Ethnicities
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White, British | 86.7% |
| White, Other | 4.1% |
| Indian | 1.5% |
| White & Black (African) | 1.5% |
| Unclassified | 1.1% |
| African | 1.1% |
| Chinese | 0.7% |
| Caribbean | 0.7% |
| Asian, Other | 0.7% |
| White & Black (Caribbean) | 0.4% |
| White & Asian | 0.4% |
| Mixed, Other | 0.4% |
| Overall Ofsted Rating | Good |
| > Quality of education | Good |
| > Behaviour & Attitude | Good |
| > Personal Development | Good |
| > Leadership & Management | Good |
| > Early Years Provision | Good |
| Last Report Date | 21 Feb 2023 |
| Date | Report |
|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2023 | School inspection: |
| 29 Apr 2009 | Full inspection: |
| 27 Jun 2006 | Full inspection: |
| 16 Oct 2000 | Full inspection |
Strengths
- Strong pastoral care ensuring pupils feel safe and valued
- High levels of engagement in early years phonics education
- Effective support for pupils with special educational needs
- Ambitious and inclusive curriculum across subjects
- Pupils achieve highly in mathematics and reading
- Strong one-to-one catch-up sessions for pupils
- Wide variety of enjoyable after-school clubs
- Positive learning atmosphere with minimal bullying
Areas for Improvement
- Writing is not as strong and leaders are taking action to improve it
- Less effective teaching in foundation subjects like art and computing
- Some pupils do not consistently show respect for property and adults
2025 Admissions
| Number of Applications | Number of Offers | |
| First Preference | ||
| Second Preference | 56 | 3 |
| Third Preference | 26 | 0 |
| From another Local Authority | 0 | 0 |
Previous Years
Sample
Unlock| Name | Distance |
|
Roseacre Junior School
The Landway, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4BL |
0.04 miles |
|
Madginford Primary School
Egremont Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 8LH |
0.64 miles |
|
Leigh Academy Bearsted
Popesfield Way, Weavering, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5GA |
0.83 miles |
|
Maidstone, St John's Church of England Primary School
Provender Way, Grove Green, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5TZ |
0.84 miles |
|
Greenfields Community Primary School
Oxford Road, Shepway, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 8DF |
1.38 miles |
|
Valley Invicta Primary School At East Borough
Vinters Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DX |
1.62 miles |
|
Senacre Wood Primary School
Graveney Road, Senacre, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 8QQ |
1.68 miles |
|
Park Way Primary School
Park Way, Park Way Primary School, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AH |
1.73 miles |
|
Leigh Academy Molehill
Hereford Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7ND |
1.89 miles |
|
South Borough Primary School
Stagshaw Close, Postley Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6TL |
1.96 miles |
|
Leigh Academy Oaks
Oak Tree Avenue, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9AX |
2.01 miles |
|
St Paul's Infant School
Hillary Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2BS |
2.16 miles |
|
Sandling Primary School
Ashburnham Road, Penenden Heath, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2JG |
2.17 miles |
|
North Borough Junior School
North Borough Junior School, Peel Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2BP |
2.19 miles |
|
Leigh Academy Tree Tops
Brishing Lane, Park Wood, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9EZ |
2.21 miles |
|
Tiger Primary School
Boughton Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9QL |
2.29 miles |
|
Leeds and Broomfield Church of England Primary School
Lower Street, Leeds, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1RL |
2.37 miles |
|
Archbishop Courtenay Primary School
Eccleston Road, Tovil, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6QN |
2.4 miles |
|
The Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Bicknor Road, Park Wood, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9PS |
2.42 miles |
|
Leigh Academy Langley Park
Edmett Way, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 3FX |
2.5 miles |
| Name | Distance |
|
Leigh Academy Snowfields
Popesfield Way, Weavering, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5GA |
0.83 miles |
|
School of Science and Technology Maidstone
New Cut Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5GQ |
1.11 miles |
|
Valley Park School
Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DT |
1.35 miles |
|
Invicta Grammar School
Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DS |
1.48 miles |
|
King's Reach Education
St Hilary's House, Reculver Walk, Senacre, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 8SW |
1.61 miles |
|
Maidstone Grammar School
Barton Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7BT |
1.78 miles |
|
MEPA ACADEMY
27 & 29 Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PF |
2.15 miles |
|
Five Acre Wood School
Boughton Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9QF |
2.24 miles |
|
New Line Learning Academy
Boughton Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9QL |
2.29 miles |
|
Serenity School Maidstone
Springfield House, Sandling Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2LP |
2.52 miles |
|
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0SF |
2.6 miles |
|
The Maplesden Noakes School
Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0TJ |
2.69 miles |
|
St Augustine Academy
Oakwood Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8AE |
3.1 miles |
|
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8AH |
3.13 miles |
|
St Simon Stock Catholic School
Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0JP |
3.21 miles |
|
Bower Grove School
Fant Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8NL |
3.58 miles |
|
Cornwallis Academy
Hubbards Lane, Linton, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 4HX |
3.61 miles |
|
OneSchool Global UK - Maidstone Campus
Heath Road, Maidstone, ME17 4HT |
3.67 miles |
|
Sutton Valence School
North Street, Maidstone, ME17 3HL |
4.08 miles |
|
Aylesford School
Teapot Lane, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7JU |
4.96 miles |