Our Values
These are the principles that underpin our ethos and decision-making in school.
- We are forward thinking – fear is not a barrier to change
- We think ‘boldly and bravely’ – we are pioneering and able to make courageous decisions
- We set high expectations – holding ourselves and others to account through professional and constructive dialogue
- We are adaptive and reflective – using evidence-based research to inform our practice
- We enable opportunity – by supporting continued professional development within a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity
- We are welcoming – by providing a kind and safe environment for all
- We budget effectively – we allocate our funds strategically and prudently
Our Vision
Herne Bay Junior School sits at the heart of the town, serving a diverse community of children with unique experiences and needs. We are committed to providing an education that reflects and responds to those experiences—personalised, inclusive, and rooted in care.
We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, secure, and emotionally supported. A strong sense of wellbeing, belonging, and self-awareness is essential for growth. We place equal value on academic progress and personal development, knowing that success in life depends on more than just exam results.
Our responsibility is to prepare pupils not only for the next stage of education, but for life. We aim to equip them with the knowledge, skills, character, and ambition, to lead lives that are safe, happy, and purposeful. We want every child to believe in themselves, to value learning, and to understand their place in the world.
We are an inclusive school. Every child—regardless of background, ability, or need—is welcomed and supported. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, in sport, or through personal development, we ensure that all pupils have opportunities to succeed and shine.
Relationships are central to our ethos. We manage behaviour through connection, consistency, and compassion—modelling and supporting positive choices rather than punishing mistakes. We help children build respectful relationships and take responsibility for their actions.
We value respect, kindness, fairness, and empathy. We help pupils understand their rights and responsibilities, and encourage them to contribute positively to their home, school, local and national communities.
We recognise that we are one part of a child’s broader educational journey. Our goal is to prepare them not only for the next stage of their education, but for life beyond school—instilling a love of learning and a commitment to values that will serve them and society throughout their lives.
Our strategic priorities for 2025-2028
This is what we will prioritise in the next 3 years:
Sustainability:
- Develop an organisational structure and working practices that maximise staff efficiency and performance
- Ensure that the physical and digital environment keeps pace with the changing needs of the school
- Maintain a balanced budget that can meet the resource needs of the school
Pupil Journey:
- Create a stronger alliance with local schools, in particular, feeder schools, so that greater intelligence is shared to promote pupils’ long-term outcomes
- Prioritise the development of the whole child
Curriculum:
- Deliver an engaging, enjoyable and inclusive curriculum that realises the ambitious aims set out in its intentions: a knowledge rich, progressive curriculum that is collaboratively planned, robustly assessed and reasonably adapted to meet the needs of the pupils of Herne Bay