Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard
100%
Capacity
449
Pupils
4.9x
Demand
About Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard is a state-funded co-educational primary school in Dartford, South East for ages 2 to 11. The school has 449 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 450 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
the school is led by headteacher Julie Forsythe, it falls under Kent 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 1214th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 26 in Dartford.
Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard is a popular choice with families — it received 284 applications for 58 places, making it 4.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 122 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard include Sports Hall, Outdoor Playground, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Dance, Cross Country, Cricket and 2 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Eco Club, Art Club, Drama and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.6%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Dartford, Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard is one of the options available in the South East 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 | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Address | Cherry Orchard, Ebbsfleet Valley, Ebbsfleet, Dartford, DA10 1AD |
| Headteacher | Julie Forsythe |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Number of Pupils | 449 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.6% |
| School Capacity | 449 / 450 (100% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 13 Dec 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (82%)
1214th of 13,686
Nationally
156th of 2,034
In South East
6th of 26
In Dartford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
82%
Expected Standard
23%
Higher Standard
'22/23
78%
'23/24
82%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: 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
284
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
122 families put this school as their 1st choice (43% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard
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
Cherry Orchard, Ebbsfleet Valley, Ebbsfleet
Dartford, DA10 1AD
Cherry Orchard, Ebbsfleet Valley, Ebbsfleet
Dartford, DA10 1AD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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