Langley Park Primary Academy, located in Maidstone, Kent, has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing high-quality education since its opening in September 2016. The school has received a Good rating overall, with outstanding ratings in leadership and management, personal development, behavior, and welfare, as well as early years provision. The principal is highly regarded by parents, staff, and pupils, and her vision for the school is widely understood and shared. The support from Leigh Academies Trust has been instrumental in the school's success, ensuring that necessary resources and systems are in place.
The school excels in safeguarding, with leaders and staff being highly aware of pupils' needs. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, showing respect for one another and their teachers, and they are eager learners. The specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is particularly noteworthy, providing outstanding support and enabling these pupils to make good progress. The school has a higher-than-average proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics test, although there is recognition that further efforts could enhance pupils' love of reading.
Pupils achieve above-average outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics by the end of key stage 1. However, there are concerns that the most able pupils do not always reach their full potential due to inconsistent expectations from teachers. The curriculum offers a wide range of subjects, but there is a need for improved teaching and assessment in areas beyond English and mathematics to better measure pupil progress. Overall, teaching is good, with opportunities for staff development, although not all teaching consistently meets pupils' needs.
The school effectively uses additional funding for disadvantaged pupils, who make strong progress. Parents express high levels of satisfaction, noting that their children are happy, safe, and thriving. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children receiving high-quality care and education, allowing them to settle in well and form positive relationships with staff.
To further improve, the school aims to strengthen teaching quality in key stage 1 and embed the strong practices seen in key stage 2. This includes ensuring that lessons are tailored to pupils' starting points and raising expectations for all pupils, especially the most able. Additionally, the curriculum will be further developed to enhance teachers' knowledge and improve assessment practices across all subjects.
Governance at the school is robust, with effective communication between the trust board and the school's development group. Governors demonstrate a clear understanding of the school's operations and provide a balanced level of support and challenge to school leaders. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well-trained to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil welfare.
In summary, Langley Park Primary Academy is a good school with outstanding features, particularly in leadership, personal development, and early years provision. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing teaching quality and curriculum development to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential. The positive relationships among staff, pupils, and parents contribute to a nurturing and supportive learning environment, fostering both academic success and personal growth.
