St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Aylesham

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 June 2026

Pupils arrive each day happy to be part of their welcoming school community. Staff know pupils and families well. They are greeted warmly on arrival and supported into class with kindness and care. Pupils demonstrate courtesy and respect and this is evident throughout the school day. Pupils are confident to speak about their learning and their enjoyment of school. Behaviour across the school is very positive and pupils are well supported by skilled adults. Pupils are focused and keen to learn. There is no disruption to learning. Across the school they contribute confidently to lessons and collaborate effectively. Starting in the early years, children feel safe because of the positive and trusting relationships staff form with them. Consequently, pupils are not worried about bullying or unkindness. Pupils benefit from effective pastoral care. They know that staff will quickly resolve any issues or worries they have. Attendance has improved this year. However, some pupils still do not attend school regularly enough. This results in them missing important learning. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to make progress and achieve well. They benefit from a carefully considered, broad and enriching curriculum. From the early years, pupils build knowledge and skills successfully. Over time, pupils achieve well. They enjoy learning and the school environment celebrates their achievements and successes. The inclusive culture and practice in the school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils make progress and are included in all aspects of school life. Pupils enjoy a range of trips and visits to enrich their learning. They value opportunities to support each other by taking responsibility in the school as prefects and learning mentors. Leaders and staff care deeply about pupils, their families and the community they serve. Pupils are well supported to develop confidence and resilience and be ready for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to refine their assessment systems to ensure that they are used consistently and effectively, so that pupils build understanding securely across all subjects.
• 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 continues to fall, so that pupils do not miss out on important learning.

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