Hawkinge Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The inspirational headteacher is determined to provide the best possible experiences for pupils in the school.

She does this extremely well, ably supported by her deputy headteacher. Governance is a strength of the school. Skilled, experienced and capable governors carry out their duties rigorously.

They visit regularly and understand the school very well. The headteacher and deputy have established an ambitious, reflective and highly positive ethos which is helping to drive further improvement. Dedicated staff are fully supportive.

Subject leaders are highly capable. They collaborate very well to plan a coherent and well...-sequenced curriculum. The quality of teaching is outstanding.

Teachers' strong subject knowledge helps to deepen pupils' learning. Teachers and teaching assistants provide highly effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Children make an exceptionally positive start to their school life in Reception Year.

Excellent phonics teaching across early years and key stage 1 ensures that pupils are encouraged and supported to read widely. Pupils make outstanding progress from their starting points. Some pupils enter the school with below-average levels of achievement, and by the end of Year 6, pupils' outcomes are above the national average.

Leaders have developed a creative and challenging curriculum that captivates pupils. Pupils successfully acquire a wide range of subject-specific knowledge and skills. Pupils' love of learning is clear in the enthusiastic way they apply themselves in lessons.

Their use of language is very well developed, and pupils speak eloquently about how to improve their work. Pupils flourish and thrive because they are very well looked after in a stimulating environment. Individual academic, social and emotional needs are carefully identified and supported.

Pupils feel safe and very well cared for in this harmonious environment. Everyone is valued and treated with respect. The school strongly promotes both mental and physical well-being.

Pupils love coming to school. Attendance is above national levels. A few pupils remain persistently absent.

Pupils take great pride in their school. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Many describe the school as 'fantastic' and 'wonderful'.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils come from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is lower than national levels.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is similar to the national average. Hawkinge Primary School, together with two other local primary schools, is a member of the Vicus Co-operative Learning Trust.