A primary school has been rated “Good” following a visit from Church of England inspectors.

Eastchurch Church of England Primary School in Warden Road on the Isle Sheppey, converted to an academy in September 2020.

A quarter of all primary schools, totaling 4630 in England, are Church of England establishments and Eastchurch is one of 16 institutions run by Aquila, The Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust.

The school, which has 180 pupils on its books, is inspected by the Church of England due to its status as an Anglican and Methodist school. This is separate and not linked to the academy’s Ofsted inspection timing and grading.

A Church of England inspection is called a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report (SIAMS) and focuses on the impact of the school's Christian vision on pupils and adults.

Inspectors who visited the school on May 25, rated it as ‘Good’ – one below ‘Excellent,’ but above ‘Requires Improvement’ and ‘Ineffective.’

The report said: “There is a determination in pupils to persevere and to aim for careers which are ambitious and help others.

“They know their school value of courage helps them not to give up when learning is challenging.

“All leaders and staff serve and nurture their school community, including its wider families, and staff go well beyond what is expected of them.”

The care given to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was also noted by inspectors.

“Practical and emotional support are offered unconditionally to ensure pupils love to come to school and are ready to learn,” the report added.

“Those who have SEND thrive and are well prepared for secondary school, as are all the pupils.”

School headteacher, Naomi Ivory, said: “I am privileged to be able to come to school every day and spend time with the most incredible children and staff.

“We truly are a nurturing and inclusive community where everyone feels loved and valued.”

Ofsted usually inspects schools approximately every four years but this can vary depending on past results and the type of school.

The last time Eastchurch was inspected by the education watchdog was in July 2019 – before its conversion to an academy a year later – when it was rated “Requires Improvement”. Prior to that it was rated “Good” in May 2015.

Separate SIAMS inspections are carried out under the 2005 Education Act.

They involve the inspection of RE, collective worship, and spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education in Church of England and Methodist schools and academies in England.