Dovery Academy, Leighton Buzzard
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Quality of Education
Behaviour & Attitudes
Personal Development
Leadership & Management
Early Years
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Dovery Academy excels at teaching reading through expert phonics instruction and carefully selected books that engage pupils. The school creates a vibrant community where children develop independence, resilience and confidence through rich activities like woodland exploration, den building, and music performances. All pupils benefit from outstanding support for their physical and mental health, with daily exercise opportunities and trained staff who help them understand their emotions.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional knowledge-rich curriculum with clear focus on vocabulary and confidence in articulating ideas
- Expert phonics teaching and exceptional achievement in reading
- Outstanding personal development through trips, music lessons, and leadership opportunities
- Rapid identification and effective support for pupils with SEND
- Calm, purposeful environment where pupils understand high expectations and flourish
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff well-trained to support pupils and pupils knowing they can access help through channels like the 'Ask Twiggle' communication box.
Extracurricular Activities
Music lessons (all pupils learn an instrument), clubs, woodland activities, den building, music performances, assembly leading, trips and visits, lunchtime clubs and games, charity fundraising, water and electricity conservation campaigns
Dovery Academy is an outstanding primary school where pupils are exceptionally eager to learn in a calm and purposeful environment. All key areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management - have been judged as outstanding.
At a Glance
5.7%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
Yes
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
55 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View - % who strongly agree or agree
Class Sizes
27.8
Avg class size
29.7
Infant (KS1)
25.0
KS2
5
Total classes
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
127%
Over capacity
191 pupils
150 capacity
41 places over capacity
Area Demand Pressure - Leighton Buzzard
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Leighton Buzzard
Admissions Demand - Central Bedfordshire
Places available
4,163
Applications
3,574
Got 1st preference
90.0%
Got preferred school
97.0%
Primary admissions across Central Bedfordshire (2025/26)
Inspection History
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
4.16822%
Overall absence
5.35714%
Persistent absence
112
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
Dovery Academy
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