Leigh Academy Marden
Tonbridge, TN12 9JX · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
92nd 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 — 9.2/10 against 2,176 of them, against 8.1/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 25% | 2.26 |
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 Marden overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 19.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Dance, LEGO, Jewellery Making, Debate, Cooking, and Coding clubs, or play Hockey, Fit & Fun, Football, Bushcraft, and Netball. A choir is available, and an after-school club provides wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 323 pupils against a stated capacity of 275. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the various clubs scheduled to ensure all pupils can participate?
What Ofsted said about Leigh Academy Marden
Overview
Marden Primary Academy is described as a ‘happy school’ where pupils reflect values of ‘ready, respect, safe’. Leaders have driven ‘substantial and positive change’, creating a ‘strong community feel’ that parents find ‘hugely inclusive’. The report highlights high expectations for behaviour and a curriculum that is ambitious and inclusive for all pupils.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘Outstanding’ behaviour, treating each other with ‘respect and kindness’ while bullying is ‘extremely rare’.
- The curriculum for personal development is a ‘real strength’, helping pupils understand moral issues and develop ‘competent leadership’.
- Reading is a priority, with a phonics programme delivered with ‘expertise’ that has had a ‘swift and positive impact’ on accuracy.
- Staff are part of a ‘close-knit team’ who feel ‘valued by leaders’, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
- Pupils with special educational needs access the ‘same learning as their peers’ and receive timely support.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the intended curriculum is ‘consistently well embedded’ in subjects where practice is not yet fully secure.
- Adults in the early years need to ‘maximise opportunities for children to explore ideas further’ and develop independence through better questioning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with ‘excellent’ record-keeping and staff who act quickly to ensure pupils receive necessary specialist support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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