Leigh Academy Wilmington
Wilmington, DA2 7DR · Kent · secondary school
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35th of 99 secondary schools in Kent we can score, 103 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 — 4.8/10 against 913 of them, against 5.0/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 39.8 · 37 | 30% | 1.10 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.23 · 67 | 25% | 1.68 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.1 · 45 | 10% | 0.45 |
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 Wilmington overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.4, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.23 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in June 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,386 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,400. 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 maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What are the specific entry criteria for the next academic year? How does the school structure its curriculum to support the 45.2% attainment rate in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Leigh Academy Wilmington
Overview
Wilmington Academy is described as an “exceptional school providing a world-class education” for its pupils and sixth formers. The report highlights that the International Baccalaureate philosophy is “at the heart of the curriculum,” fostering open-mindedness and critical thinking. Overall, the school is judged to be outstanding across all inspection categories, with pupils being “safe and happy” and demonstrating “exceptional” behaviour.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “carefully considered, meticulously sequenced and securely embedded,” meeting demanding IB requirements while supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
- Teachers possess “expert subject knowledge” and deliver lessons with “clarity and enthusiasm,” ensuring literacy skills are well developed and reading is a high priority.
- Pupils benefit from “extensive” extra-curricular opportunities and excellent careers guidance, which supports their “high aspirations for the future.”
- Staff are “highly motivated and keenly enthusiastic,” supported by effective leadership that prioritises workload management and well-being.
- Sixth-form provision is highly effective, with “well-planned choice of pathways” and outcomes that are “high compared with other IB schools internationally.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders are working to “increase the uptake of languages” and “further improve GCSE outcomes for all pupils.”
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “very strong and well-established culture of safeguarding” where issues are “actioned quickly and effectively.”
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.8 |
| 2024/25 | 45.4 |
| 2025/26 | 45.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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