The Discovery School
West Malling, ME19 4GJ · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
22nd 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 — 8.5/10 against 3,697 of them, against 8.8/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Discovery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 18.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in April 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 (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Key Stage One and Two choirs, take piano, violin, classical guitar, ukulele, wind, brass, rock band, or drum lessons, and attend trips to the local theatre, residential visits, and religious buildings.
Getting in
The published school roll is 634 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 instrument lessons scheduled alongside the core curriculum?
What Ofsted said about The Discovery School
Overview
The report describes a ‘highly ambitious, vibrant and inclusive community’ where pupils ‘flourish’ and achieve ‘exceptionally well’. Leaders maintain ‘high expectations’ rooted in core values, creating an environment where children develop into ‘responsible, articulate and impressive young people’.
Strengths
- Pupils receive a ‘first-class education’ with a precisely crafted curriculum that ensures they ‘achieve remarkedly well across all areas’.
- Teachers possess ‘expert subject knowledge’ and design activities that ‘engage and challenge pupils’, providing tailored support for all, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Reading is ‘expertly taught’ and pupils ‘love reading’, with leaders prioritising support for the ‘least fluent readers’ to ensure rapid progress.
- Personal development is ‘exceptional’, with ‘curriculum guarantees’ ensuring all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, access a ‘rich range of extra-curricular activities’.
- Pupils display ‘extremely positive attitudes toward their learning’, remaining ‘calm, focused and engrossed’ in lessons.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with a ‘strong culture of safeguarding’ well embedded across the school.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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