David Livingstone Academy, Thornton Heath
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data. Admissions policy: Non-selective
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
David Livingstone Academy creates a welcoming, family-like environment where high expectations help all children achieve very well. Teachers are exceptionally skilled at breaking down learning into manageable steps, using precise language teaching so every child can access the curriculum. The school goes beyond academics to develop confident, kind young people through carefully planned character development and enriching educational experiences.
Key Strengths
- Highly skilled teachers who ensure all pupils understand key vocabulary and concepts before moving on
- Expertly designed curriculum across all subjects, benefiting from trust-wide research and collaboration
- Inclusive classrooms where all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve well and develop independence
- Strong character development through leadership opportunities, sports competitions, and residential trips
- High-quality educational experiences such as visits to the Tate Modern and Black Cultural Archives
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective and leaders work with families to ensure all pupils attend school regularly.
Extracurricular Activities
Debating competition, sports competitions with other schools, Year 6 residential trip, playground buddy scheme, pupil parliament, breakfast club, after-school club, educational visits to Tate Modern and Black Cultural Archives
David Livingstone Academy is a happy and inclusive primary school where pupils excel and thrive. The school has maintained the high standards it was judged outstanding for in 2019.
At a Glance
33.3%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
42 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View - % who strongly agree or agree
Primary Performance (KS2)
Academic year 2025/26KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)
Reading has improved from 83% to 88%. Maths has improved from 80% to 92%. Writing has improved from 80% to 92%.
Class Sizes
28.2
Avg class size
29.3
Infant (KS1)
27.0
KS2
6
Total classes
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
94%
Near capacity
198 pupils
210 capacity
12 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Thornton Heath
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Thornton Heath
Admissions Demand - Croydon
Places available
4,890
Applications
4,309
Got 1st preference
86.7%
Got preferred school
98.1%
Primary admissions across Croydon (2025/26)
Inspection History(4)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
5.52688%
Overall absence
14.12429%
Persistent absence
177
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
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Secondary Schools Nearby
Secondary schools pupils are likely to move to
David Livingstone Academy
Nearby Schools
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