St Philomena's Primary School

What Ofsted found

Full inspection, June 2023.

• Overall effectiveness: St Philomena’s Primary School continues to be a good school.
• Safeguarding: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

• Inspectors found that the teaching of reading is a strength, with children getting off to a brisk start through a well-delivered phonics programme.
• Inspectors found that support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is effective and that these pupils are achieving very well.

Our summary of Ofsted's report. Read the full reports on Ofsted's website. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The school

• Rooted in our Catholic faith, our curriculum places Christ at the centre of all that we do.
• The school aims to nurture children who Strive for Excellence, Act with Respect and Serve Our Community.

Source: St Philomena's Primary School website. Checked 11 November 2026.

How it teaches

• Maths is underpinned by the National Curriculum and informed by the White Rose Maths scheme of learning.
• The curriculum approach is informed by Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction.
• Enrichment includes visits, visitors, music, the arts, sport, outdoor learning, leadership, service and community involvement.

Source: St Philomena's Primary School website; St Philomena's Primary School website. Checked 10 November 2026.

Music, sport and trips

• Free instrumental tuition is offered in recorder and ukulele, alongside a free school orchestra.
• Pupils perform at venues including Fairfield Halls and The O2.

Source: St Philomena's Primary School website. Checked 11 November 2026.

Admissions

• Admissions policy and procedures documents are published for 2027 to 2028 and 2026 to 2027.

Source: St Philomena's Primary School website. Checked 10 November 2026.

The school day and clubs

• After-school clubs include Three Thirty, Taekwondo and Centre Stage.
• Many clubs and activities are provided free of charge wherever possible.
• Key Stage 1 are dismissed at 3.20pm, while Key Stage 2 are dismissed at 3.30pm.

Source: St Philomena's Primary School website; St Philomena's Primary School website. Checked 11 November 2026.

Support

• The school provides an inclusive education with early identification, high-quality teaching and targeted support for pupils with SEND.

Source: St Philomena's Primary School website. Checked 11 November 2026.

What each year learns

• Year 1 mathsWhite Rose Maths
• Year 2 mathsWhite Rose Maths
• Year 3 mathsWhite Rose Maths
• Year 4 mathsWhite Rose Maths
• Year 5 mathsWhite Rose Maths
• Year 6 mathsWhite Rose Maths

Grammar schools within 15 miles

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• Newstead Wood SchoolGirls, Orpington, 2 miles. Newstead Wood Selection Test
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• Beths Grammar SchoolBoys, Bexley, 5 miles. Bexley Selection Test
• Wilmington Grammar School for GirlsGirls, Dartford, 5 miles. Kent Test
• Townley Grammar SchoolGirls, Bexleyheath, 5 miles. Bexley Selection Test
• Bexley Grammar SchoolWelling, 5 miles. Bexley Selection Test
• Dartford Grammar School for GirlsGirls, Dartford, 6 miles. Kent Test
• Dartford Grammar SchoolBoys, Dartford, 6 miles. Kent Test
• Wilson's SchoolBoys, Wallington, 11 miles. Sutton Selective Eligibility Test
• Mayfield Grammar School, GravesendGirls, Gravesend, 11 miles. Kent Test