Hernhill Church of England Primary School

Hernhill Church of England Primary School continues to perform outstandingly, as confirmed in its recent inspection. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community and inclusivity, with a culture that emphasizes treating others with respect. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, expressing their happiness and enthusiasm for school, which is reinforced by the engaging teaching methods employed by staff. The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to excel both academically and socially. The curriculum at Hernhill is rich and well-structured, allowing students to revisit essential concepts to deepen their understanding. The effective teaching of reading and mathematics, alongside a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, equips pupils with both personal and academic skills essential for future success. Parents are notably supportive of the school, highlighting the incredible experiences offered to their children. This inspection marks the first follow-up since its last outstanding judgment in November 2017, affirming that the school remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

Strengths

• Strong sense of community and belonging among pupils.
• Exemplary behavior of pupils who feel safe and happy at school.
• High expectations for all pupils, including those with SEND.
• Engaging and effective curriculum that promotes deep learning.
• Outstanding teaching practices, particularly in reading and mathematics.
• Rich array of extracurricular activities enhancing cultural and social development.
• Supportive partnerships with families fostering strong attendance.
• Leadership promotes a positive work environment for staff.

Admissions: local authority offers data from the Department for Education. A school is oversubscribed when at least 5% of the families who put it first were not offered a place, and undersubscribed when everyone who put it first got in but 10% or more of its places were unfilled in the Department's school capacity survey (the latest survey is used for entry years it does not cover). Places: Department for Education, School capacity, from local authorities' annual survey as at 1 May. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024–25); the survey was not run in 2020. Places include sixth form places. Forecasts are the local authority's own for the school's planning area, an area it uses to plan places that is not the school's catchment area. The forecast starts from a head count in 2025; the dashed line is the Department's estimate of places in that area, including those the authority has firm plans for. Planned places are cumulative, and only those with firm plans are counted.

In 2024–25 pupils at Hernhill Church of England Primary School attended 97.1% of sessions (the national figure for primary schools was 94.8%). 3.9% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 13.0%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at Hernhill Church of England Primary School were suspended at least once (nationally 1.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Hernhill Church of England Primary School had 23.3 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for primary schools was 20.7). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 11.1% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 15.7%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26, 5.7% of pupils at Hernhill Church of England Primary School were on SEN support (nationally 15.4%) and 3.8% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 4.1%).

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded primary schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Hernhill Church of England Primary School received £6,531 and spent £6,579 for each of its 210 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £9,000 (£43 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Faversham · Kent local authority: places and applications

What is Hernhill Church of England Primary School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Hernhill Church of England Primary School is Outstanding, from an inspection in April 2024.

When was Hernhill Church of England Primary School last inspected by Ofsted?

Hernhill Church of England Primary School was last inspected in April 2024.

How many pupils does Hernhill Church of England Primary School have?

Hernhill Church of England Primary School has 210 pupils on roll.

What age range does Hernhill Church of England Primary School cover?

Hernhill Church of England Primary School for pupils aged 5 to 11.

What are Hernhill Church of England Primary School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 70% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Hernhill Church of England Primary School?

Hernhill Church of England Primary School is at Fostall, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent, ME13 9JG.