Bromley school orchestrating a great Ofsted rating with its musical initiative

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A Bromley junior school where pupils are encouraged to go and see live orchestras as part of a ‘bucket list’ before they leave the school has maintained its ‘Outstanding’ rating.

Crofton Junior School in Towncourt Lane, Petts Wood, has held on to the best possible Ofsted rating following an inspection held earlier this year, the report for which has just been published.

The inspector said that staff at the school had high expectations of pupils’ learning, enabling children to become highly motivated and studying with increasing independence as they move up the school. They said frequent training and coaching ensured staff were experts in their field.

They added in their report: “Pupils receive an exceptional education at Crofton Junior School. Despite being a very large school, it is a place where pupils and staff know one another well. Pupils are respectful and courteous to staff and to their peers. They are confident to report any worries they may have and trust staff to deal with these swiftly.”

Behaviour from pupils was praised in the report, with the curriculum and assemblies being used to reinforce expectations on children. The school was also commended for its wide range of extra-curricular activities, which the inspector noted helped pupils to develop their talents and interests in areas such as robotics, chess, gardening and yoga.

The report said: “Pupils’ wider development is exemplary. The enrichment programme identifies 51 things to do before you leave the school, for example staying away from home, seeing an orchestra and toasting a marshmallow. Through these experiences, pupils’ cultural capital is further enhanced.”

Crofton Junior School is part of the Connect Schools Academy Trust. It provides education for 712 pupils aged between seven and 11. The school has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: Crofton Junior School (Picture: Google Street View)