Holywell Primary School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 5 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Forge Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, ME9 7AEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Holywell Primary School is a primary school in Sittingbourne for ages 5 to 11. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. It ranks 2nd of 23 primary schools in Sittingbourne. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2013.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 24 April 2013, report published 17 May 2013

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2024

Pupils cannot wait to get into school when they arrive in the morning. They are eager for the day ahead, excited by the challenges of the curriculum and what their teachers have in store for them. Pupils learn an ambitious curriculum that is enriched by a wide variety of interesting experiences. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They apply themselves to their learning, working hard and with enthusiasm. Pupils develop a good understanding of the subjects they study and are keen to talk about their learning. The school has a very inclusive culture. Pupils are respectful of people's differences. Being different in this school is something to be celebrated. Pupils are fiercely opposed to discrimination of any kind. They are passionate about championing the rights of everyone. Pupils get along well. They are taught to manage any disagreements maturely and are given strategies to use if they have any disagreements with their friends. This means that pupils are confident and resilient to cope when things go wrong. If they are unable to resolve their problems their teachers are quick to respond with the help they need. Pupils also appreciate 'talk time' with a trusted adult if they are feeling upset or worried.

What the school should improve

  • Some pupils are not yet secure in their use of important elements of writing, including spelling, punctuation and handwriting. Consequently, some pupils' writing can contain several errors in these areas. The school needs to ensure that writing is taught consistently well so that pupils secure this important knowledge and apply it fluently.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

31 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths84%

84%, 22 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths19%

19%, 11 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score110

110, 4 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score110

110, 5 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score108

108, 3 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

212 pupils on roll, with places for 210

Eligible for free school meals14.6%

14.6%, 11.9 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language5.2%

5.2%, 16.4 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support13.7%

13.7%, 1.1 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1.9%

1.9%, 4.1 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Holywell Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Lower Halstow Primary School1 mileOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding33% met the expected standard
Riverside Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good56% met the expected standard
Newington Church of England Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
Hartlip Endowed Church of England Primary School2 milesReport card: Expected standard53% met the expected standard
St Margaret's Church of England Junior School2 milesOfsted: Good67% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
EKC SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED
Age range
5 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mrs Nicky Murrell
Address
Forge Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, ME9 7AE
Local authority
Kent
URN
147752

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.