Wilmington Academy: An International Outlook in Dartford

Sitting on Common Lane where the edge of Dartford meets the village of Wilmington, this non-selective academy offers something distinct in a county defined by the grammar school system. Part of the Leigh Academies Trust, Wilmington Academy combines the local comprehensive mandate with the global framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB). Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023, it draws families who want the breadth of an IB education without the fees. The "small school" college structure ensures that despite its size, no student becomes invisible.

The campus atmosphere feels closer to a modern workplace than a traditional school. Students in smart blazers move between the dedicated college areas—Apollo, Jupiter, and Minerva—which break the large cohort into manageable communities. This structure is central to the school's identity; pastoral care and academic monitoring happen within these smaller colleges, fostering a sense of belonging often lost in larger comprehensives.

Mr Michael Gore, Principal since 2019, has embedded the IB Learner Profile into the school's DNA. Terms like "inquirer," "principled," and "reflective" are not just wall displays but are used actively in lessons. The environment is orderly and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on digital literacy; every student uses a Chromebook as a core learning tool.

The academy delivers strong outcomes for a mixed-ability intake. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 45.8, matching the England average almost exactly. More significantly, the Progress 8 score of +0.23 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points compared to peers nationally.

Ranked 1,990th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the national typical band (middle 35% of schools). This solid performance is particularly impressive given the selective nature of the local area, where many high-attaining students attend grammar schools.

Unusually for a state school, Wilmington Academy follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) throughout Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9). This inquiry-based approach encourages students to connect subjects rather than viewing them in isolation. A Year 8 Science lesson might link to Geography and Ethics, asking students to evaluate the impact of energy choices globally.

The curriculum remains broad through to GCSE, where students select from a wide range of options alongside the core. The focus on "Approaches to Learning" (ATL) skills—communication, social, self-management, research, and thinking—equips students with the tools to study independently, a skill that pays dividends in the Sixth Form.

The Sixth Form is a major strength, offering the distinctive IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) alongside A-levels and BTECs. This pathway combines academic study with career-related learning and core skills, suiting students who want a rigorous but practical education.

In 2024, 34% of leavers progressed to university, while a notable 12% secured apprenticeships. This apprenticeship figure is well above the national average, reflecting the strong careers guidance and employer links embedded in the IBCP. Another 37% moved directly into employment. Recent university destinations include the University of Kent, Greenwich, and Canterbury Christ Church.

Admission is competitive and operates differently from standard distance-based schools. In 2024, the school received over 1,100 applications for 223 places, making it heavily oversubscribed.

The academy uses Fair Banding to ensure a balanced intake. All applicants must sit a fair banding test (typically in November or December of Year 6). This is not a pass/fail exam; instead, it places students into five ability bands. The school then allocates an equal number of places to each band.

Within each band, priority is given to:

1. Looked-after children.
2. Siblings of current students.
3. Children of staff.
4. Distance from the school.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance. Because places are allocated within bands, the "catchment" distance varies significantly depending on which ability band a child falls into.

The college system creates a supportive "school within a school" environment. Each college (Apollo, Jupiter, Minerva) has its own leadership team and administrative support, meaning families have a consistent point of contact.

Bullying and behaviour are managed through a restorative justice framework. The school holds the "Values-based Education" quality mark, and inspectors have noted that students feel safe and that the culture is one of mutual respect.

Enrichment is woven into the school day. The "Leigh Academies Trust" network provides access to high-quality resources and competitions. Sport is strong, with competitive teams in football, netball, and basketball utilising the sports hall and pitches.

The arts are vibrant, with regular drama productions and music showcases. STEM activities are also prominent; the academy's science clubs often engage with external competitions, encouraged by the inquiry-based nature of the IB curriculum.

The school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Located on Common Lane, the site is served by local buses, though traffic can be heavy at peak times. There is no on-site parking for parents.

Fair Banding Requirement: Your child must sit the fair banding test to be considered for a place. Failure to sit the test pushes an application to the bottom of the pile, effectively eliminating the chance of a place given the high demand.

IB Style: The inquiry-based learning of the MYP requires students to be active participants. Those who prefer passive, lecture-style teaching may find the adjustment to the IB's "learner profile" expectations challenging initially.

Mobile Phones: The academy enforces a strict "off and away" policy for mobile phones to ensure focus and safeguarding.

Mixed Ability Classes: Classes in the lower years are often mixed-ability, consistent with the inclusive IB philosophy. Teachers use differentiation to stretch the most able and support those needing help, but parents expecting valid streaming from Year 7 should be aware of this model.

Wilmington Academy proves that a state comprehensive can successfully deliver an international-style education. It offers a sophisticated alternative to the local grammar schools, producing articulate, well-rounded students ready for the modern world. Best suited to families who value the holistic IB approach and are organised enough to navigate the banding test process. The main challenge is the high competition for places.