Capel-le-Ferne Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

Pupils arrive at school each day happy to be part of their inclusive and supportive school community. More of them are attending regularly than in previous years. However, some pupils still do not attend school regularly enough. This means that they sometimes miss out on important learning. Pupils know that staff want them to achieve well. Starting in Reception, pupils now build knowledge and skills successfully over time as they progress through the school. However, these improvements have not yet had an impact in published outcomes at the end of key stage 2. Staff know pupils and families well and greet them warmly on arrival. Pupils value and demonstrate respect in classrooms, around the school and in the playground. Pupils confidently discuss their enjoyment of learning and the opportunities the school provides for them. Behaviour across the school is highly positive. Pupils focus on their work and collaborate effectively. They look out for each other and readily support peers who may need help. For example, Year 5 pupils buddy up with Reception children to help them settle in to school life, and ‘reader leaders’ support younger pupils to improve their reading. Highly effective professional relationships between staff and pupils help them to build trust. Incidents of bullying are rare. This helps pupils to feel safe in school. Pupils enjoy the wide range of enrichment opportunities available. A carefully considered range of educational visits enhances their learning of curriculum subjects. Pupils speak with enthusiasm about the range of activities available at playtime. Pupils benefit from effective pastoral care. They build independence and confidence through the rich range of opportunities and thoughtful support they receive.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure assessment is used more consistently and effectively to address misconceptions promptly, so that pupils build understanding securely and leave school well prepared for the next stage of their education.
• Leaders should continue to embed their systems for promoting regular attendance so that pupils' attendance rates continue to rise and the proportion of pupils who are persistently absent reduces.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)