Darlinghurst Academy
87%
Capacity
550
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Darlinghurst Academy
Darlinghurst Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Southend-on-Sea community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 550 pupils on roll and is well-filled (87% of 630 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Darlinghurst Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Emma Nicholls, it falls under Southend-on-Sea local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 82% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 1143rd out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 25 in Southend-on-Sea.
Darlinghurst Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 126 applications for 58 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 50 were first-preference applications.
Darlinghurst Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the school (79 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Darlinghurst Academy include Playing Fields, Library, Dining Hall, Forest School, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Football, Dance, Cross Country and 2 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Eco Club, Coding, Chess and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.8%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Southend-on-Sea, Darlinghurst Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Pavilion Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS9 3JS |
| Headteacher | Emma Nicholls |
| Local Authority | Southend-on-Sea |
| Number of Pupils | 550 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.8% |
| School Capacity | 550 / 630 (87% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Jan 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (29 Jan 2025): Improved significantly
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jul 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (82%)
1143rd of 13,686
Nationally
109th of 1,612
In East of England
2nd of 25
In Southend-on-Sea
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
82%
Expected Standard
5%
Higher Standard
'22/23
68%
'23/24
82%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
79 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed58
126
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
50 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darlinghurst Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Pavilion Drive, Leigh-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea, SS9 3JS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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