'Outstanding' London school tells pupils to see live orchestra as part of childhood bucket list

The London Symphony Orchestra being conducted by Sir Simon Rattle
-Credit: (Image: TOLGA AKMEN/AFP)


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 Petts Wood, Orpington, has held onto 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, causing 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."

READ MORE:'I found a haunted London playground where the swings move on their own'

READ MORE:Hundreds attend funeral of 'devoted' mother, 31, who was stabbed to death at Tower Hamlets birthday party

Crofton Junior School, as seen on Towncourt Lane, Orpington, Bromley, London, UK
Crofton Junior School, as seen on Towncourt Lane -Credit:Google Earth

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 7 and 11. The school was approached for comment, but had not responded at the time of publication.

Have a story you want to share? Email joseph.coughlan@reachplc.com.

Don't miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.