Ofsted has praised Fleetdown Primary Academy in Dartford for its “high expectations” and for supporting pupils to feel “safe, happy and play an active part in their community”.

by | Jun 7, 2025 | Dartford Schools

Ofsted’s report says that pupils at the school “value inclusivity and feel that kindness underpins all parts of their school life”. The inspectors judged the school, part of The Golden Thread Alliance trust, to be Good across the board.

The school was also praised for “a comprehensive and well-balanced curriculum” that leads pupils to “achieve well” and “have confidence in their abilities” while enjoying learning. The report noted that pupils are able to apply their knowledge to the world around them and make “insightful connections in learning”.

Highlighting how “pupils embody the school’s ‘together everyone achieves more’ philosophy”, the report found that pupils’ behaviour is “consistently positive” and that they “enthusiastically follow routines and rules”. The report goes on to describe how the “thoughtful support and guidance provided by the school allows all pupils to feel heard and cared for, by peers and staff alike”.

The full report can be found here. Some of the key positives included:

·  The school ensures that pupils have the maturity and character to be ready for their next stages in education.

·       Pupils with SEND are identified quickly and achieve well, equally supported to develop their personal skills.

·       Pupils are proud to show their knowledge of sign language. They kindly support and integrate those peers with a hearing impairment.

·       Parents value the support and care their children receive.

·       Staff well-being is well managed and a school priority. This includes support for those who are new to the teaching profession or new to their role.

·       Pupils delight in opportunities that bring them together as a school.

·       The school makes sure that pupils are taught the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as citizens in modern Britain.

·       Pupils demonstrate an impressive knowledge of current affairs at both a local and national level. They also recognise and embrace themes of equity and diversity.

·       The school has a successful approach to teaching reading. Staff closely follow the thorough and well-sequenced phonics programme, and as a result, pupils across the school truly love reading and develop into fluent and confident readers.

·       The pupils understand how to raise concerns and appreciate learning about important topics such as online safety.

A commitment to the trust’s Golden Thread values of Respect, Equality, Courage, Integrity, Ambition, Kindness and Responsibility which are at the heart of everything done at Fleetdown. Building on this positive report and its core values, the school is determined to continue to create a nurturing and stimulating environment in which every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Toniann Braniff, Acting Headteacher at Fleetdown Primary Academy, said:

“We are so proud of the report we have received from Ofsted and are delighted that inspectors have recognised the kindness, inclusivity and social awareness of our children. Colleagues have worked incredibly hard to ensure that everything we do at Fleetdown ensures children leave us ready for their next stage in education. We are looking forward to embracing the next stage of our journey.”

Garry Ratcliffe, CEO at The Golden Thread Alliance, said:  

“Fleetdown Primary Academy is a very special school, and I am delighted it has been recognised by Ofsted as providing a good quality of education for its pupils.I know that colleagues work hard to provide the very best for Fleetdown pupils and their families, and this hard work has paid off with a report that all colleagues, pupils and families can be very proud of.”

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