Maypole Primary School, Dartford

Ofsted's report card from its 31 March 2026 inspection grades Maypole Primary School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders have created a culture where pupils, staff and families view attendance as their collective responsibility."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils generally achieve well and produce high-quality work."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a curriculum that is ambitious and well sequenced, enabling pupils to build new knowledge securely over time."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a well-organised curriculum that meets the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that the school promotes a culture of inclusion."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders have acted quickly to understand the school's context, strengths and areas for development."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Pupils benefit from a comprehensive programme that supports their development beyond the academic."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should strengthen the consistency of curriculum delivery, particularly in the early years and in early reading, writing and mathematics, so that pupils remember and know more over time"; "Leaders should further develop staff expertise to secure consistently strong standards across all areas of the school's work".

In its own words: "We are a community that are happy and proud to work together with a strong sense of belonging and trust. We recognise, respect and celebrate the talents, experiences and perspectives of all. Children are equipped with the tools to be independent and find the courage to persevere with fearlessness when faced with challenge."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Maypole Primary School, we pride ourselves on our caring, friendly and inclusive environment. We put children first and aim to bring out the very best in every individual. The relationships we develop with our children and families enable us to create a distinctive ethos."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

Coming up: an admissions event on Monday 9 November 2026, an open day on Monday 9 November 2026, an admissions event on Tuesday 17 November 2026 and an open day on Tuesday 17 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Maypole Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 82% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in Kent and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 80% in reading and 76% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 60 families put Maypole Primary School as their first choice and 137 named it as one of their preferences, for 60 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. 3 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Maypole Primary School are Joydens Wood Junior School (0.3 miles, Requires improvement, 73% reading, 70% maths); Joydens Wood Infant School (0.3 miles, Good); Wilmington Primary School (1 mile, Good, 87% reading, 83% maths); and Wentworth Primary School (1.1 miles, Good, 73% reading, 72% maths).

Maypole Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 3 schools.

Maypole Primary School is one of 4 schools run by Inspire Academy Movement Trust, an academy trust.

59 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Maypole Primary School (as of April 2026): 92% would recommend the school, 90% say their child is happy there and 50% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (93%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (50%).

14.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 59 pupils (14.4%) received SEN support and 7 (1.7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Crayford Station, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line.

Maypole Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Maypole Primary School are Leigh Academy Wilmington (0.8 miles), Wilmington Grammar School for Girls (0.8 miles), Wilmington Grammar School for Boys (0.9 miles) and Beths Grammar School (1.5 miles).