David Livingstone Academy
Thornton Heath, CR7 8HX · Croydon · primary school
Check the area around this school
3rd of 77 primary schools in Croydon we can score, 87 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.6/10 against 2,170 of them, against 8.8/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 88.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.85 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
David Livingstone Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 12.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in September 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the Pupil Parliament, House Captains, Librarian, and Playground Buddy groups. Arts include the Young Voices Choir, Pantomime, and concerts at Croydon's Fairfield Halls. Trips visit the Houses of Commons and PGL. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 198 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who do not reach the higher standard? What specific roles do House Captains take on during the school day?
What Ofsted said about David Livingstone Academy
Overview
David Livingstone Academy has taken effective action to maintain the high standards identified at its previous inspection. The report describes a ‘happy and inclusive school’ where pupils ‘excel and thrive’ under high expectations. Leaders and staff successfully uphold the trust’s strategic vision, ensuring that curriculum development and inclusion continue to drive pupil success.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘expertly designed’ across all subjects, benefiting from trust-wide research and collaboration.
- Teachers are ‘highly skilled’, using systematic checks to ensure pupils master essential vocabulary before applying new learning independently.
- Classrooms are inclusive, with specific adaptations enabling pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to ‘increase their fluency and independence’.
- Character development is a ‘real strength’, with pupils taught to ‘value difference’ and develop resilience through diverse opportunities.
- Staff model high standards of behaviour, resulting in pupils who are ‘respectful and empathetic’ to their peers.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 88% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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