Leigh Academy in East Hill, Dartford judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted following inspection

A primary school where children make a “flying start” as soon as they join has been praised by the education watchdog.

Leigh Academy in East Hill, Dartford was judged ‘Outstanding’ in all areas following an Ofsted inspection on June 17 and 18.

The inspection report noted the academy in York Road’s “exceptionally ambitious curriculum” as well as high standards in teaching, leadership, personal development and behaviour, describing it as a school where pupils “thrive and excel”.

The academy’s early years provision was marked out for specific praise, with an inspection team, led by Ofsted’s Michelle Payne, an experienced teacher, stating: “Children make a flying start as soon as they join the school.

“They learn to make positive friendships, take turns and share toys. Fun and exciting learning sparks their curiosity and imagination.

“A sharp focus on practising reading, writing and mathematics skills enables children to build a secure foundation of knowledge.”

Inspectors were equally impressed by the school’s wider curriculum as it jumped from a previous overall rating of “Good”.

“The school has developed an exceptionally ambitious curriculum,” the report adds.

“It reflects the needs and context of the pupils who attend. The curriculum from Nursery through to key stage 2, meticulously identifies the skills and knowledge that pupils need to know.”

Pupils’ outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics are significantly above national averages.

The approach to inclusion was also praised with staff helping families to apply the same strategies at home to encourage the continuity of home-school routines.

A large proportion of pupils at the school, which has 669pupils on its roster, speak English as an “additional language” or “struggle to communicate well”.

Inspectors found staff are highly skilled in helping these pupils to communicate and fully engage with learning. This means all pupils achieve “exceptionally well”, they added.

The personal development of pupils was also described as a standout strength of the school.

“An outstanding approach to pupil personal development fulfils the school’s aim for pupils to be ‘secondary school ready’,” inspectors stated.

“Pupils learn how to stay safe and take care of their health and well-being. They are proud to belong to a wonderfully diverse school and show a deep understanding of fundamental British values such as respect and tolerance.”

Inspectors concluded that staff are well supported and that leaders at every level are committed to continuous improvement. Governance and trust oversight were also judged to be highly effective.

Principal Rebecca Roberts welcomed the outcome. She said: “We are proud that inspectors recognised the high-quality education we provide and the positive culture that runs through every part of our school.

“This judgement reflects the tireless work of our staff, the support of our families and the determination of our pupils to make every moment count.

“Ofsted’s recognition coupled with SATS results which place us in the top 1% of the country showcase our values of being determined, persistent, achievers - learning to change the world - it is an honour to work with this community”.

Simon Beamish, chef executive of the Leigh Academies Trust, paid tribute to staff and pupils.

“This report is a clear endorsement of the remarkable work happening every day at Leigh Academy Dartford,” he said.

“Rebecca Roberts and her team have created a school culture that combines high expectations with care and support.

“The result is an exceptional learning environment where pupils succeed academically and grow as confident, responsible young people.”