Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard Review 2026: Outstanding Outcomes in Ebbsfleet Valley

In the heart of the Ebbsfleet Valley, Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard has rapidly established itself as a beacon of primary excellence. Since opening its doors to serve this growing Kent community, the academy has combined a modern, purpose-built environment with academic results that are among the highest in England. The 2024 Key Stage 2 data is particularly striking, placing the school in the top 10% of all primaries in England and securing the top rank locally in Ebbsfleet Valley.

As part of the Leigh Academies Trust, the school benefits from a robust shared infrastructure while maintaining a distinct, welcoming atmosphere. With a capacity for 450 pupils and an integrated nursery, it offers a stable, all-through primary journey from age two to eleven. Principal Julie Forsythe leads a team that has successfully translated the academy's high ambitions into consistent, evidence-based success.

The academy sits within a contemporary landscape, its architecture reflecting the forward-looking spirit of the Ebbsfleet development. At drop-off, the atmosphere is efficient yet warm; staff are highly visible, and there is a palpable sense of order that does not stifle the natural energy of the pupils. Inside, the learning environments are bright and uncluttered, designed to facilitate the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, which underpins the school's curriculum.

The culture here is one of high expectations balanced with a strong sense of community. The academy’s mascot, the cherry tree, is more than a name; it symbolises the growth and flourishing of every pupil. Relationships between staff and pupils are a clear strength, built on mutual respect and a shared language of learning. This is a school where children are encouraged to be inquirers and risk-takers, terms from the IB learner profile that pupils use with genuine understanding.

The academic story at Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard is one of significant achievement. In 2024, a remarkable 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This performance is well above the England average of 62%, placing the academy in the elite tier of primary providers.

Depth of learning is equally impressive. At the higher standard, 41% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, a figure that dwarfs the England average of 8%. These outcomes are not limited to a single subject; scaled scores in reading (109), mathematics (109), and grammar, punctuation, and spelling (109) all sit significantly higher than the typical England benchmarks of 104 to 105.

The academy ranks 936th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking). Locally, it ranks 1st among primaries in the Ebbsfleet Valley area, confirming its status as a high-performing choice for Kent families.

Teaching follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, which encourages pupils to make connections across different subjects. Science, history, and geography are often explored through central Units of Inquiry, ensuring that learning feels relevant and interconnected. This approach fosters a high level of engagement; pupils do not just memorise facts but develop a deeper conceptual understanding.

The focus on core skills remains rigorous. Mathematics is taught with a mastery approach, ensuring that no child is left behind before moving on to more complex topics. Literacy is woven through every aspect of the day, with a strong emphasis on high-quality texts and expressive writing. Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge and use questioning effectively to challenge pupils to think more deeply.

Nursery Provision

The academy provides an integrated nursery that accepts children from the age of two, offering a seamless transition into the main school. The early years setting is designed to mirror the inquisitive nature of the PYP, with plenty of opportunities for open-ended play and exploration.

Nursery practitioners focus heavily on communication and language development, ensuring that the youngest children build the vocabulary necessary for later academic success. The physical environment for the nursery is secure and well-resourced, with dedicated outdoor space that allows for year-round active learning. For current nursery fee details and availability, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; parents are encouraged to consult the official guide to nursery funding for further information.

As a primary academy in Kent, the transition to secondary school is a significant focus. Many pupils progress to other Leigh Academies Trust secondary schools within the local area, benefiting from the familiar trust-wide ethos. Given the high academic standards, a portion of the cohort also prepares for the Kent 11-plus examinations.

The academy provides a structured transition programme in Year 6, including visits to local secondaries and workshops designed to build independence. Staff work closely with receiving schools to ensure that pastoral and academic data is shared effectively, allowing for a smooth start to Year 7.

Securing a place at Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard is a significant challenge due to its immense popularity. For the most recent intake, there were 284 applications for just 58 offers. This means there are nearly five applications for every available place, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in the local authority.

Admissions are coordinated by Kent County Council. After children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and looked-after children, priority is typically given to siblings and then those living closest to the school. Parents interested in checking their proximity can use the FindMySchool Map Search to view their distance relative to the local intake.

Wellbeing is integrated into the daily routine rather than being treated as a separate subject. The academy uses the IB learner profile to help pupils develop emotional intelligence and resilience. There is a strong emphasis on being caring and balanced, which translates into a supportive peer culture where bullying is rare and handled swiftly if it occurs.

A dedicated pastoral team is available to support children who may be facing social or emotional challenges. The school's small-school-within-a-large-school feel, fostered by the Leigh Academies Trust structure, ensures that every child is known individually by multiple members of staff.

The academy offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that extend the learning day. STEM is a particular area of strength, with clubs focusing on coding and digital creativity using the academy's modern IT infrastructure. Music and the arts are also well-represented, with regular opportunities for performance and exhibition.

Physical education is a priority, with the school making full use of its modern sports facilities for both curriculum PE and after-school fixtures. Specific clubs vary by term but often include football, gymnastics, and multi-skills for younger pupils. The academy also encourages Action as part of the PYP, with pupils frequently leading their own charitable or community projects.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. For working families, the academy offers wraparound care via The Hub, which opens from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Breakfast Club costs approximately £6 per session, while After School Provision ranges from £12 to £18 depending on the session length. The site is accessible and well-connected within the Ebbsfleet Valley, though parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited during peak drop-off and pick-up times.

• Extreme Oversubscription: With 4.9 applications for every place, competition is fierce. Families living outside the immediate development may find it very difficult to secure a place through the standard admissions round.
• The IB Approach: The Primary Years Programme is distinct from the traditional National Curriculum approach used in many other Kent schools. While it leads to excellent results here, parents should ensure they are comfortable with the inquiry-based style of learning.
• Developing Community: As Ebbsfleet Valley is a newer development, the school is still growing its long-term traditions. However, the backing of the Leigh Academies Trust provides a level of stability that many new schools lack.

Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard is a high-achieving, modern primary that perfectly suits the ambitious, growing community it serves. Its 2024 results are nothing short of elite, and the integration of the IB framework ensures that pupils develop a global perspective alongside traditional academic skills. It is best suited to families within the immediate Ebbsfleet area who value a contemporary, inquiry-led education and are seeking a school with a proven track record of top-tier outcomes. The primary challenge for any family is simply getting through the door.