Drapers Mills Primary Academy
Margate, CT9 2SP · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
339th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 4.5/10 against 233 of them, against 2.4/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Drapers Mills Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 3.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 246 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 to bridge the gap between the 51.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are used to raise the 3.0% higher standard attainment? How does the breakfast club integrate with the wider curriculum and pastoral care?
What Ofsted said about Drapers Mills Primary Academy
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, though evidence suggests a graded inspection might yield a lower judgement. Leaders are actively addressing barriers to attainment, particularly regarding attendance and reading, with ‘vigour and determination’. The report highlights a positive culture where pupils feel safe and valued, but notes that inconsistent teaching practices currently hinder some learners’ progress.
Strengths
- Pupils feel ‘welcome and special’, with strong routines for managing behaviour and emotional support, including ‘worry boxes’.
- Attendance is improving due to ‘meticulous’ analysis of data and tailored support for families.
- Reception and Key Stage 1 provide a ‘strong start’ in reading, with effective phonics teaching and support for those falling behind.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious and logically sequenced’, fostering respect for diversity and resilience through outdoor learning.
- Staff are increasingly confident, with regular coaching helping to deepen subject knowledge.
Areas to improve
- Ensure all staff receive training to teach phonics successfully, so older pupils struggling with reading get consistent expert help.
- Implement assessment practices consistently across the whole curriculum to accurately identify knowledge gaps and match work to pupil needs.
- Continue persistent efforts to improve attendance, as sporadic absence prevents pupils from achieving well and creates knowledge gaps.
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 | 21% |
| 2023/24 | 18% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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