Eastchurch Church of England Primary School, Sheerness

Ofsted's report card from its 19 May 2026 inspection grades Eastchurch Church of England Primary School on 7 areas: 7 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Needs attention. "Published outcomes have been below national levels over time."

Attendance and behaviour - Needs attention. "Pupils' attendance is below national averages and has been for some time."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "Leaders have an accurate view of the quality of the curriculum and how it is taught."

Early years - Needs attention. "Leaders are at an early stage of improving the early years and the impact of their work is not yet consistent."

Inclusion - Needs attention. "Although staff know pupils well, the school does not apply a consistent approach to identify, assess and meet pupils' individual needs."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "There have been substantial changes to leadership in recent years."

Personal development and wellbeing - Needs attention. "The school's personal development programme has not been implemented consistently."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should further strengthen their work to improve pupils' attendance and reduce rates of persistent absence to ensure that all pupils benefit from regular attendance and full access to the curriculum"; "Leaders should ensure that teaching, including in the early years, consistently meets the school's expectations. They should support staff to use appropriate resources, materials and activities so that the aims of the curriculum are realised, and pupils remember more of what they are taught"; "Leaders should ensure that pupils are given the support and practice they need to develop accuracy and fluency in writing, particularly in handwriting, spelling and punctuation, so that pupils write well across the curriculum"; "Leaders should ensure that the personal, social, health and economic education curriculum is implemented effectively across the school so that pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, develop secure knowledge and understanding"; "Leaders and those responsible for governance should build on the school's recent improvements and strategic direction, working in partnership with staff, parents and carers, to further strengthen collaboration to support improved systems and approaches".

From the headteacher's welcome: "Eastchurch Primary School is a nurturing, inclusive, learning community that celebrates all possibilities. Through a journey of faith and exploration, we strive to enable all to grow as resilient life-long learners who value themselves and others. Rooted in God's love and our Christian values, we are a nurturing, inclusive community where all can flourish and achieve their full potential."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include Lego, gardening, art and film.

The school runs a breakfast club.

In 2025, 63% of Year 6 pupils at Eastchurch Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 38% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Kent and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 60% in reading and 56% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 17 families put Eastchurch Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 41 named it as one of their preferences, for 17 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Eastchurch Church of England Primary School are St Georges CofE (Aided) Primary School (1.9 miles, Good, 83% reading, 63% maths); St. Clement's CofE Primary School (2.2 miles, 38% reading, 19% maths); Minster in Sheppey Primary School (2.4 miles, Good, 93% reading, 91% maths); and Thistle Hill Primary School (2.6 miles, Requires improvement, 59% reading, 59% maths).

Eastchurch Church of England Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

Eastchurch Church of England Primary School is one of 18 schools run by The Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 60% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

43.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 6.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 48 pupils (29.3%) received SEN support and 4 (2.4%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

Eastchurch Church of England Primary School had 12 teachers in 2026, one for every 10 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Eastchurch Church of England Primary School.

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Church (opposite), 90 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 36 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Kent (101).

In 2024/25, Eastchurch Church of England Primary School issued 25 suspensions, 17.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.