Ofsted grades Maidstone’s Leigh Academy Molehill outstanding in all areas after December 2024 visit

A primary school that was declared “inadequate” has been transformed with a recent inspection now rating it “outstanding” in all areas.

Ofsted visited Leigh Academy Molehill in December - almost 11 years to the day since a full inspection by Ofsted left the Maidstone school facing an ‘Inadequate’ rating in 2013.

The school in Hereford Road and formerly known as Molehill Primary Academy became part of the Leigh Academies Trust in 2015.

In January 2018 it was upgraded to ‘good’ by Ofsted, which the regulator followed-up with a further ungraded inspection in June 2023 to simply ensure Molehill could hold onto that rating.

But speaking at the time of that visit 18 months ago, the trust’s chief executive Simon Beamish said he had high hopes that the academy could be graded as outstanding by inspectors come their next visit.

The trust says the school’s latest achievement to be judged outstanding in all categories reflects the academy’s “unwavering commitment to excellence and its dedication to transforming the lives of its pupils”.

Inspectors, who released their report this week, praised the school for its “endless ambition” and ability in ensuring all pupils, of all ages, thrive in class.

Molehill was described as having an “ambitious and innovative curriculum” while children showed “exemplary” behaviour and attitude and “impeccable manners”.

Laura Smith, the school’s principal said: “At Leigh Academy Molehill, we are driven by a strong moral purpose to do whatever it takes to create better life opportunities for our pupils – they deserve the very best.

“This outstanding judgement reflects the high expectations we hold for ourselves and for our children; it evidences the exceptional efforts of our staff, pupils, and wider community.

“Our pledge is to provide every pupil with the knowledge, skills, self-belief, and ambition to succeed in their learning and their lives.”

There was high praise for staff who were described as “dedicated and skillful” in the report while inspectors noted that children with special educational needs or disabilities were learning well, which was ensuring that they achieved “exceptionally well” and took part fully in school life.

A nurturing and inclusive culture was also celebrated by Ofsted visitors, who said pupils had a strong commitment to both the school’s values and a deep respect for diversity and equality.

Mr Beamish said the school’s transformation was nothing short of “meteoric”.

He added: “When the school joined Leigh Academies Trust in 2015 from another trust, it was judged to be inadequate and faced significant challenges.

“Through the leadership of Laura Smith and her team, combined with the hard work of pupils and the support of the community and Trust, the academy has truly earned this judgement.

“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the highest standards of education and care, and I could not be prouder of what Leigh Academy Molehill has accomplished.”