Herne Bay Junior School
Herne Bay, CT6 5DA · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
413rd of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.1/10 against 1,445 of them, against 1.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 34.0 · 5 | 62% | 0.29 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 38% | 0.92 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Herne Bay Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 34.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Lego, Drawing and Colouring, Board games, Film, Football, and Choir clubs. The school also runs a trip to Sing from the Heart, alongside a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 371 pupils against a stated capacity of 500. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for those aiming for the higher standard? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Herne Bay Junior School
Overview
The inspection found that while pupils generally display positive attitudes and feel safe, the school’s high ambitions are not consistently achieved across the curriculum. Most key judgement areas, including the quality of education and leadership, require improvement, although personal development is rated as good. The report highlights significant gaps in teaching precision and behaviour management that hinder pupil achievement.
Strengths
- Pupils build positive relationships and are "respectful of different cultures and religions."
- Initiatives like the ‘thrive room’ help some pupils make a "more purposeful and settled start to the day."
- The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "swiftly and accurately identified."
- Staff feel "well supported by leaders, who are considerate of their well-being and workload."
- Forest visits help pupils develop socially through "teamwork opportunities" and build resilience.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must focus teaching more sharply on intended learning to address missed misconceptions and gaps.
- Staff require better expertise in phonics to ensure pupils decode words accurately and improve fluency.
- Leaders must ensure incidents of poor behaviour, including discriminatory language, are swiftly identified and addressed.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with an "open and transparent culture," though leaders lack sufficient expertise in some areas, meaning risks are not always thoroughly considered in the curriculum.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 34% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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