Leigh Academy Bearsted
Popesfield Way, Weavering, Maidstone, ME14 5GAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Leigh Academy Bearsted is a primary school in Maidstone for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. It ranks 12th of 42 primary schools in Maidstone. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in January 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 24 January 2023, report published 12 March 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 24 January 2023
Pupils love their new and 'kind' school. Older pupils show a maturity beyond their years as they forge the pathway that others will follow. They have enquiring minds and enjoy learning 'great new things'. Pupils are reflective. One told the lead inspector that he wanted to improve himself by being 'more principled and caring'. When quizzed, it was clear that he fully understood what this laudable aspiration meant. Pupils behave well here. They know what is expected of them. They know the rules and are disappointed when they are broken. They told inspectors that they feel safe, including from bullying. New pupils say that they feel the school is welcoming and accepting. Discussions with pupils revealed that they are equally proud of their school and of their work. Classroom visits showed that a strong learning culture has been established over a relatively short period of time. Children in early years are encouraged to be inquisitive and to see themselves as learners from the start. They love working together to solve problems and were very enthusiastic when recalling making 'moving dragons' linked to their enquiry about Chinese New Year.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
28 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
412 pupils on roll, with places for 446
Schools near Leigh Academy Bearsted
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maidstone, St John's Church of England Primary School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 83% met the expected standard |
| Roseacre Junior School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 73% met the expected standard |
| Thurnham Church of England Infant School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Valley Invicta Primary School At East Borough | 1 mile | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | 70% met the expected standard |
| Madginford Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 61% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Free schools
- Sector
- Free school
- Trust
- LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Jane Tipple
- Phone
- 01622250040
- Address
- Popesfield Way, Weavering, Maidstone, ME14 5GA
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 147866
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.