Leigh Academy Bearsted
Maidstone, ME14 5GA · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
77th 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 the 4,206 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.2/10 among them, against 6.1/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Leigh Academy Bearsted overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 4.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.2 out of 10 among them, against 6.1 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 412 pupils against a stated capacity of 446. 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 are not reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll of 412?
What Ofsted said about Leigh Academy Bearsted
Overview
Bearsted Primary Academy is described as an “exceptional school” that has established a “strong learning culture” since opening in 2020. Pupils are characterised as having “enquiring minds” and behaving well, with a clear understanding of expectations and a sense of safety. The report highlights the school’s rapid progress in fostering an ethos that “strives for excellence” across all areas of provision.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “bespoke and ambitious,” delivered through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, with “high-quality learning” in core subjects like reading and mathematics.
- Senior staff and the multi-academy trust provide “clarity of purpose” and “expert advice,” ensuring strong governance and strategic direction.
- Early years provision is “particularly strong,” with children encouraged to be “inquisitive” and view themselves as learners from the start.
- Staff benefit from “ongoing professional development,” and the school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds through targeted interventions.
- Personal development is robust, with pupils developing “independence, resilience and confidence” through an inquiry-led approach and exposure to diverse global perspectives.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders and staff possessing a “clear understanding” of pupils’ backgrounds and robust systems in place to identify and support those at risk.
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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