Catalyst Academies Trust
Benyon Primary
Overview
Benyon Primary School is a welcoming and growing primary school and nursery serving a diverse community in Thurrock. Guided by the motto “Perseverance Brings Success”, the school ensures every pupil receives the best possible education.
Benyon joined Catalyst Academies Trust in April 2013 with an Ofsted rating of Inadequate. With the trust’s targeted support, the school achieved a Good rating in its first inspection after joining (March 2015). This grading was maintained in February 2019 and again in June 2024. The school has also been recognised as one of the top five performing schools in Thurrock in 2018 and 2019.
A Journey of Growth and Excellence with Catalyst
Challenge:
Before joining the trust, Benyon Primary was rated Inadequate by Ofsted and faced challenges in achieving consistently high academic standards.
Solution:
Catalyst Academies Trust worked closely with school leaders to implement an improvement plan focused on teaching quality, leadership development, and curriculum redesign. Staff were supported with ongoing training, school-to-school support, and leadership coaching, ensuring high expectations and consistent standards.
Results & impact:
- Ofsted rating: improved from Inadequate (pre-2013) to Good status in 2015 and was maintained in 2019, and 2024.
- Academic performance: Attainment and progress significantly above national expectations, with combined Reading, Writing, and Maths results consistently high.
- Reputation: Recognised as one of the top five performing schools in Thurrock in 2018 and 2019.
- Culture: Strong parental engagement and positive relationships across the school community.
- Enrichment: Wide range of trips, visitors, and extra-curricular clubs alongside inter-trust competitions.
Parent feedback reflects the school’s ethos:
“I am super grateful for all the support and guidance provided by the school.” (Parent, 2021)
Driving Change at Benyon Primary
Catalyst Academies Trust’s support for Benyon has included:
- Leadership development and mentoring, including LLE & SLE coaching.
- Targeted professional development and training programmes.
- Curriculum development tailored to the needs of a diverse pupil population.
- Support in developing enrichment opportunities and extra-curricular provision.
- Opportunities for staff to engage with teacher training routes and mentoring early career teachers.
Standout Leaders and Staff Expertise
Sam Oxley - Head of School
Sam led Benyon Primary to a successful Good Ofsted judgement in 2023 while overseeing its growth from a one-form to a two-form entry school. As a Pupil Premium Reviewer, she has supported senior leadership teams in evaluating provision and creating bespoke action plans, drawing on her experience leading a high-deprivation school where outcomes exceed national expectations. Sam has also embedded mental health and wellbeing initiatives, positively impacting pupils, staff, and parents.
Dan Scotcher - Deputy Headteacher
Dan specialises in developing early career teachers and embedding best practice. He has mentored NQTs, student teachers, and early career professionals through programmes such as Teach Thurrock, Teach First, and the school apprenticeship route. A facilitator for the ECT programme, Dan uses tools like IRIS Connect to share effective teaching practice and build confidence among new teachers.
Shared Vision and Whole-Child Development
Benyon’s vision is to develop young people with active, creative minds who can lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. The school values the total development of every child’s spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Positive relationships are at the heart of the community, with staff, parents, and carers working together to support each child’s journey.
“Benyon Primary School is a welcoming, purposeful and caring school community where staff and pupils have high expectations.” (Ofsted, 2019)
Facilities That Inspire Learning
Benyon provides a stimulating environment where pupils can thrive. Facilities are designed to support both academic and personal development, with dedicated spaces for collaborative learning, sports, music, and creative activities.
“Leaders and staff are developing pupils’ sense of ambition.” (Ofsted, 2019)
The Ongoing Journey
Benyon provides a stimulating environment where pupils can thrive. Facilities are designed to support both academic and personal development, with dedicated spaces for collaborative learning, sports, music, and creative activities.
Find out more about our approach to teacher training, school-to-school support, LLE & SLE coaching or view the Catalyst School prospectus.
To explore how Catalyst Academies Trust could support your school, get in touch.