Bobbing Village School Review 2026: Academic Strength in a Village Setting

Bobbing Village School is a single form entry primary school located on the rural fringes of Sittingbourne, Kent. As an academy within the Bourne Alliance Multi Academy Trust, it serves approximately 210 pupils aged 4 to 11. The school finds itself in a period of significant transition; while it achieved exceptional Key Stage 2 results in 2024, a June 2024 Ofsted inspection graded the school as Requires Improvement overall. This was a notable shift from its previous Outstanding status, which had been held since 2017.

The school is led by Head Teacher Mr Tim Harwood, who oversees a community that prides itself on being small in numbers, large at heart. Despite the recent regulatory findings, the school remains one of the most sought-after primaries in the Sittingbourne area. In the 2024 admissions cycle, it received 127 applications for just 26 available places, reflecting a subscription proportion of 4.88.

The school occupies a traditional village site on Sheppey Way, where historical red-brick architecture meets modern extensions designed to accommodate a full primary cohort. At drop-off, the atmosphere is typically described as warm and happy, with pupils arriving to a welcoming and polite environment. The school values of respect and community are central to daily life, supported by specialized spaces like the Zen Den which provides a retreat for pupil wellbeing.

Historically, the school has been a pillar of the Bobbing community for decades. Since converting to an academy in 2014, it has focused on maintaining its village identity while benefiting from trust-wide resources. The latest external monitoring highlights a strong sense of community, where pupils are encouraged to care for one another and take on leadership roles, such as reading or restorative justice ambassadors.

The 2024 Key Stage 2 results tell a story of high academic attainment. In 2024, 89% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly exceeding the England average of 62%. This performance places Bobbing Village School 1st among Sittingbourne primaries and 386th in England, according to FindMySchool rankings based on official data.

The school sits comfortably within the elite tier, placing it in the top 2.5% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). Specifically, 39% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, which is nearly five times the England average of 8%. Scaled scores were similarly impressive, with reading at 110 and mathematics at 108, both outperforming national benchmarks.

The curriculum at Bobbing is characterized by the new Discovery framework, which focuses on helping pupils make meaningful links between different subject areas. This curriculum is already having a positive impact on the quality of education, which Ofsted rated as Good in 2024. Teachers emphasize the acquisition of precise knowledge and key vocabulary, ensuring that misconceptions are identified and resolved quickly.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the provision is also rated Good. Staff create a stimulating environment where the youngest pupils begin to develop secure knowledge across the broad curriculum. Reading is a high priority from the start, supported by a structured phonics programme that underpins the strong literacy scores seen in later years.

The majority of pupils progress to local secondary schools within Sittingbourne or the wider Kent area. Due to the high academic standards at Key Stage 2, a significant number of pupils successfully navigate the 11-plus process to secure places at Kent's selective grammar schools, such as Borden Grammar School and Highsted Grammar School.

For those not attending grammar schools, common destinations include The Sittingbourne School and Westlands School. The school works closely with these providers to manage a smooth transition, ensuring that Year 6 pupils are well prepared for the social and academic step up to Year 7.

Securing a place at Bobbing Village School is a major challenge for local families. In the most recent cycle, there were 127 applications for 26 places, meaning nearly five families applied for every available desk. Admissions are coordinated by Kent County Council, and the school uses standard oversubscription criteria including looked-after children, siblings, and distance.

Parents interested in 2026 entry must apply by the national closing date of 15 January 2026. Given the high demand, those living outside the immediate village often find it difficult to secure a place. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

The school provides a robust support network for its pupils, featuring a dedicated wellbeing team and trained mental health first aiders. Interventions such as Draw and Talk therapy, Lego therapy, and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) sessions are available to support students' emotional needs. The Zen Den serves as a quiet space for children who may feel overwhelmed during the school day.

While the latest inspection noted that behaviour requires improvement due to some inconsistency in staff response, a new behaviour policy has been implemented. This system uses reward points aligned with school values to praise positive conduct. Pupils report feeling safe and trust the adults in the school to help them if issues arise.

Extracurricular life is vibrant, with a range of activities designed to broaden pupils' horizons. The school offers various sports clubs and inter-school competitions, alongside creative and community-focused groups. Named activities include den-building, a construction zone, and a dedicated reading pod in the outdoor spaces.

Educational day visits and residential trips are staples of the Bobbing experience, providing opportunities for pupils to learn about life beyond their immediate village. The school council plays an active role in deciding how to improve outdoor spaces, ensuring that pupil voice is genuinely heard in the development of the school environment.

As a state-funded academy, Bobbing Village School does not charge tuition fees. It is free for all pupils to attend. Families should budget for standard costs such as school uniform, optional music lessons, and contributions towards educational trips. Financial support for these extras is often available for families eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

The school day starts with gates opening at 8:30am and registration at 8:45am, with the day ending at 3:15pm. Bobbing offers comprehensive wraparound care through its Childsplay club. Breakfast club runs from 7:30am to 8:30am at a cost of £3.75 per day, including breakfast. The after-school club runs from 3:00pm until 6:00pm, with tiered pricing of £7.00 until 4:45pm or £9.25 until 6:00pm, which includes a light snack.

• Recent Inspection Outcome: The June 2024 Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement indicates that while the quality of education is Good, there are areas in leadership and behaviour that need tightening. Families should monitor the school's progress through subsequent monitoring visits.
• Oversubscription: With nearly five applicants for every place, entry is fiercely competitive. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Single Form Entry: The small size creates a close-knit community but also means a very limited number of places are available each year.

Bobbing Village School remains an academic powerhouse in the Sittingbourne region, delivering Key Stage 2 results that rival the best in England. It successfully balances a traditional village atmosphere with high academic expectations. Best suited to local families within the immediate village who want a nurturing, small-school environment with a proven track record of exam success. The main hurdle is admission; once inside, pupils benefit from a high-quality curriculum and a strong community ethos.