Laddingford St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Maidstone, ME18 6BL · Kent · primary school
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296th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.6/10 against 1,921 of them, against 3.3/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Laddingford St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the Choir and French Club, participate in balanceability and bikeability, and engage in Ballet, Theatre, Young Voices, and Pantomime. Trips include the National Gallery, Royal Opera House, West End shows, Duxford, Maidstone Museum, Lullingstone Roman Villa, Drusillas Park, and Houses of Parliament. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 83 pupils against a stated capacity of 101. 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 in maths? What specific support is available for children joining the after-school club? How does the curriculum prepare pupils for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about Laddingford St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
The inspection found that Laddingford St Mary’s provides a ‘safe and nurturing environment’ where pupils are ‘treated equally and utterly treasured’. Leaders maintain high ambitions for an inclusive curriculum, resulting in strong outcomes in reading, mathematics, and history, alongside positive behaviour and effective pastoral care.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a ‘well-planned and inclusive curriculum’ with ‘dyslexia friendly’ classrooms and targeted support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Reading and phonics are high priorities; staff are well trained, and pupils become ‘fluent readers with a love for books’ through precise assessment and expert help.
- Mathematics teaching is ‘very successful’, with pupils applying secure calculation strategies to solve problems, while history lessons encourage engaging writing and connections between periods.
- Behaviour is positive, supported by a ‘restorative’ approach that helps pupils learn from mistakes, and outdoor learning builds resilience and teamwork.
- Staff feel ‘highly supported and trusted’, and governors provide effective challenge and support, fostering a culture that ‘embraces all backgrounds with no barriers’.
Areas to improve
- Assessment is not precise in all subjects, meaning teachers may not know exactly what pupils have learned; efficient systems must be embedded to identify knowledge gaps.
- Attendance for some pupils remains low since the pandemic; leaders must extend their work to further improve attendance and reduce persistent absence.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with rigorous systems, well-maintained records, and a curriculum that strengthens pupils’ understanding of online safety and healthy relationships.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 31% |
| 2023/24 | 22% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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