The worst performing primary schools in Sevenoaks?

We have covered the best performing primary schools in Sevenoaks according to the league tables. So it’s only fair to look at the ‘worst’ performing schools and ask if the league tables are really reflecting the truth.

According to the 2009 league tables, the five schools below are the ‘worst’ in the area based on the aggregate score for the school.

What does the aggregate score mean?

The aggregate score is a number out of 300, which is reached by calculating the number of pupils achieving at least the expected level for their age group, divided by the number taking the test. This is done for each subject, added together and then multiplied by 100. The closer to 300, the better.

Remembering that the numbers tell only one side, the five least-performing primary schools in the Sevenoaks area are:

1. Halstead Community Primary School

With 207 out of a possible 300, the mixed school in the village of Halstead near Sevenoaks had 80% of its pupils hitting the desired level for Science, 60% for Maths and 67% for English.

It’s pertinent to note that according to Ofsted: “There is a higher than average proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Pupils' mobility is higher than average. A number of Gypsy/Roma and traveller children attend the school.”

The school is small and rural, with only 89 pupils across all ages, as a consequence children are sometimes taught in mixed-age classes. In the most recent Ofsted report, 2008, the school was found to be ‘satisfactory’.

2. Seal Primary School

The lovely village of Seal is close to Kemsing, whose own primary school fared particularly well in the recent league tables.

Scoring 220 out of 300, the school did well in Science with 87% of pupils achieving the desired score but suffered in English and Maths, with only 67% achieving the expected level in both.

The school is attended by both boys and girls and is smaller than average with 127 children on the register. The most recent Ofsted report (2009) graded the school ‘satisfactory’ but inspectors pointed out that improvements were already underway.

3. Borough Green Primary School

Borough Green’s large primary school did pretty well in Science and English, with 83% of students achieving the desired level. The dip in Maths (72%) was responsible for bringing the overall aggregate score down to 238 out of 300.

With 342 boys and girls on the register, the school is larger than many in Sevenoaks villages, and the most recent Ofsted report (2009) recognises this.

Despite not faring well in the league tables, this is a ‘good’ school according to Ofsted inspectors and parents. Several are quoted in the Ofted report, which says: “Almost all parents are extremely positive about it, making comments such as, 'Fantastic school' and 'A sheer delight. We couldn't be happier.'”

The headteacher is singled out as a highly respected leader and the school is rated ‘outstanding’ in terms of pupils’ personal development and well-being.

4. Platt Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

The mixed primary school in St Mary’s Platt near Sevenoaks scored 238 out of 300 overall, with Science scoring the strongest (86%) and 73% of pupils achieving the expected level in both English and Maths.

Quite a small school with 143 children overall, there were 21 pupils eligible for inclusion in the league tables.

The most recent Ofsted report was carried out in this year and was found to be ‘good’ with many of the pastoral and well-being elements of the inspection achieving an ‘outstanding’ grade, including the extent to which children feel safe, adoption of healthy lifestyles and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.   

5. Sundridge and Brasted Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

The neighbouring villages of Sundridge and Brasted on the A25 leading out of Sevenoaks towards Westerham share a mixed primary school, which scored 242 out of 300.

The pupils did very well in Science, with 92% achieving the desired level and less well in Maths and English, where 75% of pupils hit the target.

The most recent Ofsted inspection was a while back (2007) but graded the school ‘good’ with several specific elements (mainly around enjoyment and well-being) achieving an ‘outstanding’ grade.

All of the five schools that sit at the bottom of the table have many plus points going for them, many of them are outstanding in the care and support they give to pupils and several are disadvantaged by the size and restraints of being a rural school. It is also worth noting that several schools in the area did not disclose their results.

So what is more important as a parent? Would you choose a high league table school over a lower scoring school, or would you look at Ofsted reports and other parents’ opinions to decide if a school is the right environment for your children?