Kelvedon Hatch Community Primary School, in Brentwood, got the grading in all five assessment areas following an inspection by Ofsted on May 14 and 15.
The inspection report, published on June 30, praised the “warm and friendly” atmosphere at the school and the way pupils “focus, engage and are interested in their learning”.
Ofsted noted the impact of the school’s “revised behaviour policy” and the success of initiatives like “Funky Fridays” which encourage pupils to dance their way into school to improve attendance.
READ MORE: How Havering primary schools offered places for the new 2025-26 academic year
Pupils are also supported with an “effective” personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme, inspectors said, and are able to attend activities in the school’s “forest area”.
The school’s curriculum, which the inspectors consider “broad and well-sequenced”, is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils at the school, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), Ofsted said.
However, the report added that in a “minority” of subjects pupils are “not building their knowledge well enough” due to staff not regularly checking in with pupils.
Headteacher Victoria Townsend said she is “incredibly proud” of everything the school community has achieved.
READ MORE: Becket Keys School, Brentwood praised in Ofsted report
She said: “Seeing our children thrive, grow in confidence, and develop a real love for learning is what drives me every single day.
“I have a deep passion for giving every child the best possible start in life, and this report reflects the hard work, care, and dedication that our whole team puts into making that vision a reality.”
The school has been supported by the Discovery Educational Trust since 2022, and Ofsted said that the trust has “carefully and thoughtfully navigated” the “considerable” change faced by the school in recent years.
The trust’s leadership was praised in the report for its role in the school’s development.
