Smarden Primary School
Ashford, TN27 8ND · Kent · primary school
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113rd 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 — 8.0/10 against 4,063 of them, against 7.7/10 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 | 89.0 · 97 | 40% | 3.88 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Smarden Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 89.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Brain Busters, Ukelele, OPAL, Science, Sewing, and Choir clubs, or play Dyerball, Netball, and Tennis. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 172 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in core subjects? How are the various clubs and sports scheduled to ensure all pupils have access?
What Ofsted said about Smarden Primary School
Overview
Smarden Primary School continues to be a good school, where leaders maintain high aspirations and a thorough approach to education. Pupils are happy, behave well, and thrive academically and personally within a supportive environment that fosters confidence and kindness.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "extremely well thought out and sequenced" in most subjects, with a strong focus on helping pupils "discover, explore and create".
- Reading is a particular strength; all pupils read widely and enjoy books, supported by effective phonics programmes and interventions from Nursery.
- Pupils behave well, are "courteous, polite and interested in other people," and feel safe, trusting adults to take their worries seriously.
- Staff have "wide subject knowledge" and are skilled at adapting activities to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Personal, social, health and economic education is a "strong part of school life," preparing pupils well for life in modern Britain.
Areas to improve
- Assessment is not fully effective across the whole curriculum, making it difficult for teachers to build accurately on pupils’ prior learning in some subjects.
- Learning is not fully joined up for children moving from Nursery to Reception, meaning some are not as well prepared for their next steps as they could be.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with secure practices, confident staff, and careful use of information to secure support for pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 89% |
| 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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