Ofsted has identified several areas for improvement at a Bexley school where disadvantaged children perform significantly below the national average. The education standards authority reported that at Trinity Church of England School in Belvedere, just 9.1% of disadvantaged pupils—those eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years—achieved grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSE in 2024/25. The national average stands at 25.8%.
Inspection Findings
Inspectors visited Trinity in March and found that only one of the seven graded areas met the expected standard. The remaining six were rated as 'Needs attention,' though inspectors acknowledged ongoing efforts to address the issues. The school's safeguarding standards were deemed satisfactory.
Teaching Quality and Curriculum
The Ofsted report noted that work to improve teaching quality had begun but had not yet produced the desired outcomes. It stated: "Pupils have gaps in their understanding, including in relation to their use of spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Consequently, pupils' written work is inconsistent and not routinely of high quality." The report added: "Pupils' experience of the curriculum is variable. Leaders have rightly identified the steps they need to take to improve teaching. However, at present, the actions taken are not having the intended impact to bring about consistent improvement. This means that some pupils have gaps in their knowledge and are not prepared as well as they should be for the next stages of their education."
Disadvantaged and SEND Pupils
Inspectors found that disadvantaged and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) pupils were not progressing as expected, but noted that "positive" actions were being taken by school leadership to address this. Trinity has experienced "significant changes in staffing," leading to a "lack of continuity over time" in some aspects of leadership.
Leadership Evaluation
Inspectors were positive about how school leaders evaluate the school and identify areas for improvement, but the systems in place to implement changes were "not embedded or robust enough to provide a fully informed picture."
Post-16 Provision Praised
The one area meeting the expected standard was the school's post-16 provision. The report said sixth form pupils "work independently and respond well to expert teacher guidance," and teachers "encourage discussion between students to help develop their thinking, and typically, students learn well." Inspectors also praised the guidance provided to sixth formers on their next steps, whether for university or employment.
Pupil Well-being
Trinity pupils are generally happy at the school. The report states: "Pupils attend more regularly than they once did. They enjoy coming to school and feel safe. Pupils appreciate that staff know them well. They are confident that staff will listen to any worries they have." While behavior is inconsistent overall, bullying is uncommon, and staff take steps to resolve it when it occurs.
Required Improvements
Ofsted has instructed Trinity's leadership to strengthen strategic oversight and analysis to improve teaching, and ensure staff receive appropriate training and support to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. Trinity Church of England School has been approached for comment.
