West Kent Bilingual Primary School

Who are we?

We are a group of dedicated parents and determined fully qualified teachers living in West Kent. Over the years we have been teaching languages around the world, from Australia to Belgium and we believe that our children should have access to the very best of education. 

 

What are Free Schools?

Free Schools are new independent state-funded schools. They give groups of parents, teachers, charities, existing schools or other organisations the chance to set up schools that meet a need in their community.

 

You can find more information on the New School Network website.

 

Who monitors Free Schools?

Like other state schools, Free Schools subject to regular Ofsted inspections. All new Free Schools have an inspection from Ofsted prior to opening as well as a full inspection within their first two years.  Free Schools must also enter their students for the same national tests as other schools and publish their results online.

 

Are Free Schools performing well?

75% of Free Schools that opened in 2011 (the only cohort that has been assessed so far) were judged ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ under the new tougher Ofsted Framework. This compares to 64% of maintained schools inspected in the same period that achieved the same.

 

Are there any other bilingual schools in the UK?

YES! Click on the name to see their website:

Judith Kerr Bilingual Primary School

Brighton and Hove Bilingual Primary school

Bromley Bilingual Primary School

Europa School in Culham (Oxfordshire)

International Academy of Greenwich

Wix primary School

 

Where will the school be located?

Depending on local demand we are considering the school to be either in Tonbridge or Maidstone.

 

Tonbridge is trying to cope with the foreseen shortage of school places. Plans to expand existing schools are in place but some parents have shared their concerns regarding the currently quality of provision of some of the existing schools.

 

Maidstone is seeing a large housing development proposal and two primary schools are currently planned (1FE Land East of Hermitage Lane North West of Maidstone and 2FE Langley Park in South East).

 

We are in the process of getting in touch with the Area Education Officer concerning the development of Education planning.

 

 

What will be the admission criteria?

 

Free school must be non-selective and open to all regardless of background or ability.

However, parents should note when applying for their children to attend this school that it is a bilingual school where the curriculum will be taught through the medium of Modern European Languages (French in addition to English) and total, long-term commitment and support will be needed from parents to ensure their child is successful within this unique learning environment.

 

Will you be following the National Curriculum?

The statutory core national curriculum subjects such as maths, English and science will be taught in English. As the children progress through the school, French will also be used to teach ICT, humanities, design and technology, music, physical education, art.

 

We don't speak French at home, how will my child cope?

Grouping by ability will ensure that everyone is receiving the appropriate level of support to access the curriculum whilst pushing the more able to a higher level of language.

We will ensure that every child reaches his potential in this innovative enrionment but a total, long-term commitment and support will be needed from parents to ensure their child is successful within this unique learning environment.

 

Where do I register my interest?

Check our HOME page and...

1. Join our Mailing List, we will be in touch with you very soon.

2. Vote YES for the opening of the proposed Bilingual Primary school.

3. Take our survey if you would like your child(ren) to have the fantastic opportunity to study in the new proposed school.

 

How can I help?

Get in touch! From fundraising to organising meetings, gathering evidences for the application or writing the business plan, there is plenty you can do.

 

We would love to hear from you!