Thistle Hill Academy
Aspen Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, ME12 3UDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Thistle Hill Academy is a primary school in Sheerness for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. It ranks 350th of 420 primary schools in Kent. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in November 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 5 November 2024, report published 1 December 2024
This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 5 November 2024
Pupils are happy and feel safe at this inclusive school, where everyone is welcome. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour, and pupils rise to meet these well. Pupils treat one another with care. They know that their school values of showing support, togetherness, ambition, respect and success (STARS) allow them to shine. Pupils strive to live out these values daily and are keen to earn recognition for demonstrating these, such as earning certificates, points and the chance to attend the weekly 'golden lunch'. Staff know pupils well and are ambitious for what all can achieve, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school has made significant improvements to its provision over the last few years. Pupils achieve well. Parents also recognise these improvements, noting the 'warm and stable environment' with staff, who go 'above and beyond' for their children whose 'achievements are celebrated'. Pupils increasingly contribute to the life of their school. They are proud to hold leadership responsibilities such as being members of the school council, 'well-being warriors', 'Makaton ambassadors' and 'digital leaders'.
What the school should improve
- In some foundation subjects, there is not a consistently sharp link between the activities planned in lessons and the intended learning. This means that, at times, pupils may not understand or recall their learning as effectively as they could. The school needs to ensure that, as its revised foundation curriculum is embedded across the school, staff have the knowledge and support they need to make more considered links between activities and intended learning, to support pupils in achieving well.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
59 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
349 pupils on roll, with places for 420
Schools near Thistle Hill Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minster in Sheppey Primary School | 0.6 miles | Report card: Strong standard | 89% met the expected standard |
| St Georges CofE (Aided) Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 60% met the expected standard |
| Halfway Houses Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 72% met the expected standard |
| Richmond Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 63% met the expected standard |
| Queenborough School and Nursery | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 85% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE STOUR ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Ms Rebecca Handebeaux
- Phone
- 01795899119
- Address
- Aspen Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, ME12 3UD
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 140393
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.