The Discovery School
101%
Capacity
635
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About The Discovery School
The Discovery School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Tonbridge and Malling community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 635 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 630 places).
the school is led by headteacher Tina Gobell, it falls under Kent local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 76% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2415th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 41 in Tonbridge and Malling.
The Discovery School is a popular choice with families — it received 186 applications for 81 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 70 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 The Discovery School include Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Forest School, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Tennis, Athletics, Rounders and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Choir, Coding.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 8.0%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Tonbridge and Malling, The Discovery School 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 | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Discovery Drive, West Malling, Tonbridge and Malling, ME19 4GJ |
| Headteacher | Tina Gobell |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Number of Pupils | 635 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 8.0% |
| School Capacity | 635 / 630 (101% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Apr 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (76%)
2415th of 13,686
Nationally
329th of 2,034
In South East
10th of 41
In Tonbridge and Malling
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
76%
Expected Standard
10%
Higher Standard
'22/23
67%
'23/24
76%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
9Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed81
186
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
70 families put this school as their 1st choice (38% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Discovery School
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
Discovery Drive, West Malling
Tonbridge and Malling, ME19 4GJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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