Why Choose St Francis?
A community where every child can flourish
Choosing a primary school is an important decision. At St Francis Catholic Primary School, we want every child to feel known, valued, safe and inspired to succeed.
Rooted in our Catholic faith and our values of Joy, Trust, Respect and Faith, we provide a welcoming and inclusive community where children are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, socially and personally.
A warm and nurturing community
St Francis is a diverse and vibrant school community in which children learn to value themselves and one another.
Our Catholic identity is at the heart of school life. Through prayer, worship, Catholic Social Teaching and service to others, pupils learn the importance of compassion, responsibility and respect.
Children who are happy and feel safe
Creating a school where children feel secure, confident and ready to learn is fundamental to everything we do.
In the most recently published Parent View responses:
84% of parents said their child was happy at St Francis.
82% said their child felt safe at school.
84% agreed that their child could take part in clubs and activities.
We continue to listen carefully to children and families as part of our commitment to making St Francis an even stronger school.
Outstanding opportunities for play
We are incredibly proud to have achieved Platinum status for Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL).
This places St Francis within the top 1% of UK schools for the quality of play provision.
Our children enjoy a rich range of opportunities during playtimes to explore, create, construct, collaborate, be physically active and use their imaginations.
High-quality play helps children develop confidence, independence, resilience and positive relationships, while supporting their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Learning beyond the classroom
We want children to remember their primary school years for much more than lessons alone.
Our pupils benefit from a growing range of experiences including:
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educational visits and visitors
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Forest School and outdoor learning
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sporting activities and competitions
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Spanish, football and performing arts clubs
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residential experiences
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science and STEM activities
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music and creative opportunities
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Catholic celebrations, Masses and liturgies
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fundraising and charitable work
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pupil leadership opportunities
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themed curriculum days and workshops
These opportunities help children discover new interests, develop confidence and create lasting memories.
An inclusive and diverse school
St Francis is proud to serve families from many different backgrounds, cultures and traditions.
Our diversity enriches school life and provides children with opportunities to learn about the wider world while developing respect and understanding for others.
As a Catholic school, we welcome children and families into a community built upon the dignity and value of every person.
Ambitious for every child
We believe every pupil is capable of achieving and growing.
Our curriculum is designed to develop secure knowledge and skills while encouraging curiosity, creativity and independence.
Teachers use assessment carefully to identify what children know, where further support may be needed and how learning can be adapted to enable pupils to make progress from their individual starting points.
Part of Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership
In September 2026, St Francis joined Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership (KCSP), beginning an exciting new chapter for our school.
KCSP Chief Executive Officer Annemarie Whittle described St Francis as having:
“a strong commitment to Catholic education, a nurturing school community and an ambitious vision for the future.”
The Partnership brings opportunities for collaboration, professional development and shared expertise across a family of Catholic schools while St Francis retains its own distinctive community and identity.
Come and see St Francis for yourself
We warmly invite prospective families to visit us, meet our staff and pupils and experience our school community for themselves.
Book a School Tour
https://www.st-francis.kent.sch.uk/Open-Day-events-and-Tours/
View Our Admissions Information
https://www.st-francis.kent.sch.uk/Our-Admissions-Process/
Find Out About Our Open Events
https://www.st-francis.kent.sch.uk/Open-Day-events-and-Tours/
We look forward to welcoming you to St Francis.