Northfleet Technology College is a non-selective foundation boys’ school with 954 on roll in North Kent. With a below national average intake, and an above average intake of PPG and SEND pupils, Northfleet is well-equipped to provide for its diverse community, with 57 languages spoken in the student body. In an area where the adult population has the second lowest rate of Level 3 and 4 qualifications and the lowest level of literacy in Kent, the college is determined to help their students exceed expectations and leave with qualifications to be proud of. The school works hard to continue to be a school of choice for all pupils, not just those who do not enter or fail the 11+ exam. Many pupils go on to study A-levels at the local grammar schools and are well prepared to do this, thanks to Northfleet’s wide and inclusive offering.
Northfleet Technology College prides itself on delivering Quality First Teaching and offers a wide range of opportunities for students to progress and engage with their learning in a non-selective environment. There is a strong focus on wellbeing, as well as academic achievement, therefore every pupil is assigned a Personal Learning Coach and is part of an inclusive Year 7 to 11 community. They also have access to a dedicated Careers Advisor who helps them to explore the most suitable GCSEs and Post 16 choices to help them achieve their future aspirations. With an ever-changing demographic, the school sees it as their mission to adapt accordingly to include all learners. An example of this was the decision to decolonise the curriculum. Senior Leaders play an active role in the school to ensure that student provision and outcomes are progressing well, and that inclusive practice is implemented across the school. There are two termly meetings to discuss at-risk pupils to ensure appropriate interventions are in place. They oversee a well-planned summer school for incoming Year 7 pupils, so they feel welcomed and supported upon starting their journey at Northfleet. They ensure that the tootoot programme, a confidential reporting platform for students, is available to support the mental health and wellbeing of students. All actions are made to ensure school experiences are inclusive. Indeed, inclusion folders are available to all staff members to inform their teaching practices. Governors speak confidently about there being a strong skill set on the board, and routinely come into the school to monitor progress and practice. There is access to high levels of CPD and staff praise the development opportunities on offer to them.
There is strong evidence that inclusive practice is actively working within the school. There have been no permanent exclusions for several years, with pupils instead being placed in the school’s ‘Engage’ facility. Engage is on the main site but accommodated in separate classrooms. The teachers who teach in the facility are mainstream subject teachers who are timetabled to go there and offer this hybrid model of education. The students in The Engage Facility are learning to pass their GCSEs, with the ‘Inspire’ facility accommodating Key Stage 3. Students can access the facility if they need a space to self-regulate or need support with anxiety. Regardless of need, the facility offers provision to match it.
Students are proud to say they go to Northfleet Technology College. The School Council speaks confidently about having voice and how they can represent the rest of the pupils through surveys and discussions. They are aware of the important of inclusion strategies in place in the school, and how you always have what you need; for example help in all subjects, breakfast clubs for those who like to avoid the crowds, and homework club for those who don’t have the facilities at home to complete homework. Students appreciate the trust that staff put in them in order to achieve, for instance Year 10 pupils upwards are allowed to take their laptops home to further academic achievement. Students are enthusiastic about culture day, where boys come dressed in a way that represents their culture, and this year every student felt like they saw a positive presentation of the culture that was special to them and their families. They also praised the Behaviour Policy that was changed in light of feedback, showing that the school respects pupils and their opinions. There is a strong focus on extra-curricular activities for all pupils, with a wide range on offer to meet interest: rock climbing to board games, history, and journalism, to name a few. Many residential trips are also offered to support a rich and subsidised curriculum that includes all pupils.
Offering an inclusive education is of the highest importance to staff at Northfleet Technology College. They want students to leave feeling proud of their achievements and the years they spent there. Most importantly, they strive to ensure every pupil feels like they are part of a community that empowers and uplifts them.
