Minterne Junior School

About Minterne Junior School

Minterne Junior School in Swale is a state primary for children aged 7 to 11, and the most recent parent feedback suggests a mixed picture. Ofsted’s 2021 ungraded inspection, which confirmed the school remains Good, did not include a formal Parent View survey, so there is no direct recommendation percentage to report. However, the school is clearly popular with local families: it has 388 pupils against a capacity of 360, meaning it is oversubscribed by 28 places. That level of demand often reflects a solid reputation among parents, even if official satisfaction data isn’t available from the inspection. The school is led by headteacher Kirsty Warner and has a non-religious character. Its facilities include a gymnasium, art studios, a sensory room, and a chapel, which is unusual for a non-faith school and may appeal to families looking for a broad environment.

Academically, Minterne Junior School performs around the middle of the pack. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 59% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is slightly below the Kent local authority average of 63%. The school’s reading scores are a relative strength: the average reading score was 105, with 79% of pupils reaching the expected standard and 33% achieving a higher standard. Maths was weaker, with an average score of 103 and 68% at the expected level, while writing saw 78% at expected. Only 10% of pupils reached the higher standard across all three subjects. Nationally, the school ranks in the bottom half, sitting at the 59th percentile, and within Swale it ranks 28th out of 48 primary schools. Compared with its previous Outstanding rating from 2011, the school has clearly settled at a Good level, and the 2021 inspection noted it remains Good without any downgrade.

For families considering Minterne, the practical picture is worth weighing. The school offers a wide range of sports including football, netball, cricket, rounders, gymnastics and tennis, plus clubs like drama, choir, chess, gardening and coding. SEND provision is notably comprehensive, covering dyslexia, speech and language needs, autistic spectrum disorder, physical disability, and social and emotional mental health, plus a resourced provision. That makes it a strong option for children with additional needs. The school is oversubscribed, so applying early is sensible. It is not a boarding school and has no nursery or sixth form. For families who prioritise an Outstanding Ofsted rating, the nearest alternative is Tunstall Church of England Primary School, just 0.9 km away. Minterne suits families who value a well-equipped, inclusive junior school with a good range of activities and a solid, if not top-tier, academic record.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Minterne Junior School

Helpful Guides for Parents