Aspire Academy

Aspire Academy is rated as good overall, with notable strengths in behaviour and attitudes, which are rated outstanding. The school's structured curriculum effectively meets the needs of its pupils, who primarily face social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Leaders are proactive in fostering a positive learning environment, ensuring that pupils feel safe and enjoy their lessons. A notable aspect of the school's approach is its integration of enrichment activities and specialized therapies that support pupils' personal development alongside academic progress.

Strengths

• Strong relationships between pupils and adults
• Ambitious and tailored curriculum for pupils' needs
• High expectations for pupil behaviour and achievement
• Comprehensive support for mental health and well-being
• Effective assessment and reading programs
• Well-organized personal development program

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of clarity in key knowledge for some subjects hindered learning

In 2024–25 pupils at Aspire Academy attended 86.2% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 41.8% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 25.0% of pupils at Aspire Academy were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Aspire Academy had 7.8 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 18.2% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Aspire Academy had 75 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2024–25 Aspire Academy received £41,704 and spent £36,411 for each of its 64 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £395,000 (£6,169 per pupil).

Across all 12 schools of London South East Academies Trust, income was £15,131 and spending £14,671 per pupil.

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24). Academy figures include a share of the trust's central services, shared out by pupil numbers, and are rounded to the nearest £1,000. Premises costs were defined differently from 2024, so compare them across that gap with care.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Bexley · Bexley local authority: places and applications

Aspire Academy is part of London South East Academies Trust, which runs 15 schools. The nearest others:

• Barrington Primary School Bexleyheath
• Belmont Academy Erith
• Bedonwell Infant and Nursery School Belvedere
• Bedonwell Junior School Belvedere
• Endeavour Academy Bexley Bexleyheath
• Woodside Academy Erith
• Bromley Beacon Academy Orpington
• Warren Road Primary School Orpington
• Heron Academy London
• Walton Leigh School Walton-On-Thames

What is Aspire Academy's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Aspire Academy is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.

When was Aspire Academy last inspected by Ofsted?

Aspire Academy was last inspected in May 2023.

How many pupils does Aspire Academy have?

Aspire Academy has 75 pupils on roll.

What age range does Aspire Academy cover?

Aspire Academy for pupils aged 5 to 11.

What are Aspire Academy's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Aspire Academy?

Aspire Academy is at South Gipsy Road, Welling, Kent, DA16 1JB.