The Discovery School
Discovery Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4GJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Discovery School is a primary school in West Malling for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. It ranks 15th of 420 primary schools in Kent. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in February 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 21 February 2023, report published 26 April 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 21 February 2023
Pupils flourish in this highly ambitious, vibrant and inclusive community. They are unanimous in their praise, with one pupil describing it as a 'privilege' to attend this school. Leaders' high expectations are rooted firmly in all areas of their work. The values of 'friendship, perseverance, honesty, respect and kindness' weave seamlessly into every aspect of daily life here. Pupils engage with enthusiasm in their learning and achieve exceptionally well. This begins in the early years, where right from the start, children develop a love for play and exploration. They learn to take risks through the 'daily challenges' set by their teachers. This continues into older years where staff harness pupils' resilience and perseverance. Adults provide thoughtful support and guidance that help pupils develop into responsible, articulate and impressive young people. Pupils are kind, considerate and welcoming of all. Bullying is rare. Leaders are quick to act on any incidents of unkindness, resolving issues swiftly. Pupils relish the range of leadership opportunities available to them such as digital leaders. They delight in the numerous opportunities provided to take part in a range of clubs or learn a musical instrument. Participation in these activities is high for all pupils.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
95 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
634 pupils on roll, with places for 630
Schools near The Discovery School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Hill School Primary and Nursery | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 63% met the expected standard |
| Valley Invicta Primary School At Kings Hill | 0.9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 90% met the expected standard |
| Wateringbury Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 66% met the expected standard |
| More Park Catholic Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 72% met the expected standard |
| Lift St James the Great | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 79% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Miss Tina Gobell
- Phone
- 01732847000
- Address
- Discovery Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4GJ
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 134057
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.