Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School
Dartford, DA4 9BN · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
87th 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 — 8.8/10 against 3,899 of them, against 8.3/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 18.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 212 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
With the last inspection in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main school day for families needing wraparound support?
What Ofsted said about Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School
Overview
Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ provision in the early years. The report describes a school where staff set “ambitious aims” that are largely fulfilled through a “focused learning culture” underpinned by clear values. Pupils enjoy their learning, behave well, and feel safe, supported by effective teaching and a strong emphasis on reading.
Strengths
- Early years provision is ‘Outstanding’, with leaders carefully crafting learning to ensure children gain a “deep understanding of the language and skills that they need.”
- The teaching of phonics is “high effective,” providing a “secure grounding in how to read” and fostering a love of literature.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, with needs identified early and staff trained effectively to help them access the full curriculum.
- Behaviour is strong, with clear routines embedded from Reception; bullying is “not tolerated,” and pupils feel safe because leaders “follow up and resolve any concerns.”
- Staff set “well thought through and challenging work,” checking understanding and making adjustments to support learning.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, leaders have not concentrated enough on addressing pupils’ gaps in learning, meaning some older pupils do not acquire the “same depth of knowledge and skill as they could.”
- The design of some aspects of the personal development curriculum in key stages 1 and 2 does not “consider fully the needs of disadvantaged pupils,” preventing them from benefiting equally from planned opportunities.
- Persistent absence remains an issue, though leaders are working with families to support better attendance and it is currently declining.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to identify risks, clear procedures for raising concerns, and meticulous record-keeping reinforced by governor oversight.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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