Furley Park Primary School

About Furley Park

The town of Ashford has expanded substantially in the last few years, particularly due to its position on the rail link between London and Europe. One particular area of growth has been the estate of Park Farm to the south of Ashford, near to the village of Kingsnorth.

Furley Park Primary School was built and opened in September 2000 in response to the growth in population in the area. The school is sited on one side of the estate and overlooks woodland and fields. The building is on one level with an administration area, large hall and kitchen as well as 14 classrooms and a library. The classes accommodate 30 children each with two classes in each year group. Staffing consists of class teachers with the support of teaching assistants, secretary, caretaker, deputy head and headteacher. The governors are involved in the life of the school and there is an active Parent Teacher Association.

The level of SEN is approximately 16%. Children on School Action are monitored by class teachers, those on school action are monitored by the Key Stage Pupil and Curriculum Development Leader. Statemented Pupils are monitored by the Deputy Head Teacher. The Senior Leadership Team oversee and monitor the progress and provision for all SEN pupils.

Overall we seek to provide every opportunity to establish high standards throughout the school. We acknowledge the importance of a good foundation being laid within Key Stage 1. As a community school we believe it is important to make links made with others on the estate. For this reason we seek to encourage the pupils to become valued and respected members of their own community. Links are also encourage with local churches and other organisations. Furthermore opportunities exist to share special occasions/events with those who visit the school (Harvest, Carol Service, Leavers’ assemby, Performances etc).

Why is the school named Furley Park?

Sir John Furley was born in Ashford in 1836. He was one of the earliest presidents of the Red Cross Society and a founder member of the St John’s Ambulance Association. When deciding on a name for the new school it was felt that a link with the town was important. As a result Furley was considered due to the local associations and Park to retain the belonging to the estate Park Farm. Whilst the estate itself is not very old, the woodland in front of the school has a path way which joins to the old roman road leading to Aldington and Lympne. Moreover, areas of the estate were traditionally part of a manor and moated. One remaining moat is to be found at the children’s play park in the centre of the development.

The School Logo

The school logo was introduced in 2004 when the school reached full capacity. It was designed to reflect the association with Sir John Furley and therefore it is representative of the Maltese Cross that features in the St Johns Ambulance logo. The figures in school house colours represent the children of Furley Park reaching and growing out from the school in the centre through the circles representing Park Farm, Ashford and the Wider World.