Penbridge Junior School has been awarded Advanced Thinking School accreditation by the University of Exeter for the second time.
Penbridge Junior School (PJS) is a proud member of the high-performing Thinking Schools Academy Trust, which leads 21 successful primary and secondary schools in Medway, Kent, Portsmouth and South West.
As part of the Trust, Penbridge Junior School has a unique and effective approach to learning and education. The Academy provides pupils with the skillset and tools needed to think in a variety of ways and become lifelong learners. These transferrable ‘Thinking Tools’ prepare pupils for a range of situations that they may face as part of modern society.
Thinking Schools at Exeter leads the way in research in Metacognition, Thinking Skills, Creativity and Dialogue in Education, providing a structure for schools to become recognised Thinking Schools. Penbridge Junior School has worked hard to weave this framework into everyday life at the school, and this was recognised throughout the school’s assessment and subsequent accreditation.
The University of Exeter said in their report: “The substantive evidence provided by Penbridge Junior School creates a very clear picture of a Thinking School in which Thinking Skills are at the heart of school life. PJS is a truly exceptional school.
“It has an unwavering commitment to taking a whole school approach to the teaching of thinking. PJS has a unique and collaborative approach that has permeated every facet of learning and teaching. It is undoubtedly a model of exemplary practice for others to emulate.
“The school is a learning community in every sense and has managed to bring its core values and purpose to life. As such, the whole learning community develop as holistic lifelong learners in an ongoing way.”
The school was also praised for its commitment to the highest standards of education for all children, saying: “Penbridge Junior School is clearly research-informed and this is illustrative of a school that is committed to the highest standards of educational provision for all children.
“High achievement and the wellbeing of both pupils and staff flourish. Penbridge Junior School is a beacon of metacognitive excellence, and it has been a pleasure to review the progress of the school.”
Penbridge Junior School has received its re-accreditation which will now be awarded until January 2026.
Anna Webb, Executive Headteacher of Penbridge School, said: “Once again, our children and staff have worked tirelessly to do their best to achieve this re-accreditation. Everyone has done the school proud and this news makes me incredibly happy.
“I’m delighted the report has identified our focus on developing holistic lifelong learners. This aligns exceptionally with one of our focuses to encourage our children to love learning for life.”
Karen Denton, the Head of School at Penbridge Junior, said: “Penbridge Junior School has ensured the Thinking Schools approach is a firm and secure part of the learning culture we have across the entire school. Our Penbridge Powers of Collaboration, Improvement, Concentration and Curiosity allow us to encourage our children to achieve excellence while using the various thinking tools.”
Natalie Sheppard, Director of Education at Thinking Schools Academy Trust, said: “I want to congratulate the staff for all of the efforts they have put into helping Penbridge Junior School become a Thinking School, learning about the tools and imparting that knowledge to the pupils within their classes. This school has been on quite a journey over the years, but now when you look around the school, you can clearly see the signs of the Thinking School approach, as many of the pupils are engaged in active learning, and that’s the difference a Thinking School makes.”
