Delce Academy

About Delce Academy

Delce Academy doesn't publish a parent recommendation percentage, but its oversubscription figures tell a clear story about local demand. The school has a capacity of 360 and currently enrols 327 pupils, meaning it is 91% full — a healthy occupancy rate that suggests steady popularity among Medway families. This is a school that has undergone a significant turnaround. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024, Delce Academy was rated Good overall, a marked improvement from its previous inspection in 2019 when it was judged Inadequate. Every graded area — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management — now sits at Good. That kind of jump doesn't happen without serious work, and it will give parents confidence that the school is on a strong upward trajectory under headteacher Julie North.

Academically, Delce Academy sits in the middle of the pack within Medway. At Key Stage 2, 57% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is just below the local authority average of 62%. That places the school 38th out of 55 primary schools in Medway, putting it in the bottom half of the league table. However, the picture is more nuanced when you look at individual subjects. In writing, 71% of pupils met the expected standard, and in reading it was 68%, both respectable figures. Maths was a weaker spot at 67% expected, though the average maths score of 103 is in line with national norms. At the higher standard, 9% of pupils achieved the top marks across all three subjects. The school's national ranking places it in the bottom 50% of all primaries, but within the South East region it sits around the 65th percentile — not outstanding, but solidly typical for a state primary.

Delce Academy is a fully inclusive school with a dedicated SEN unit and provisions covering a wide range of needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, and social and emotional mental health support. That makes it a strong option for families who need a school that can offer tailored support without the need for an out-of-area placement. Facilities include a gymnasium, music rooms, playing fields and an outdoor playground, and the extracurricular programme is varied with clubs for coding, chess, drama, choir and eco activities. Sport options include swimming, football, cricket and dance. The school serves a community with 52.3% of pupils eligible for free school meals, well above the national average, so it is clearly embedded in a diverse and disadvantaged area. For parents looking for a primary that has visibly improved its standards and offers strong SEND support, Delce Academy is worth a close look.

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