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About Us

Welcome to Orchard Academy Trust

I am proud to join the Orchard Academy Trust as their Executive Headteacher following 17 years as Headteacher of a local primary School. Orchard Academy Trust  is a successful trust consisting of two primary schools : Allington Primary School and Barming Primary School.  Both schools are situated on the outskirts of Maidstone and are approximately 3 miles apart.

Allington Primary School has 467 pupils and achieved an ‘Outstanding’ grading at their Ofsted Inspection in July 2022.  We are very proud of this achievement.

Barming Primary School is a 'Good' school with approximately 420 pupils on roll. It has recently changed to accommodate pupils aged from 2 - 11 to include Belmont Pre-School. Barming Primary School became a sponsored academy in July 2016 and achieved a 'Good' Ofsted grading in May 2019, less than three years after joining the Trust.

Orchard Academy Trust is committed to investing in its staff, so that the outcomes for our children are exceptional. The schools and the Trust are looking to the future with excitement and anticipation. The staff teams at our schools are loyal and committed to our vision to achieving an excellent education provision for our children.

Our schools act as beacons of learning for children and adults alike — inspiring self-development and nurturing growth with fun and enjoyment.  This is not a one size fits all trust; we recognise that our schools have their own identities and needs. Each school has their own Headteacher and autonomy to foster individuality, together with the advantage of working as a team to provide school to school support and share excellence across the Trust.  

Ashley Crittenden

Executive Headteacher

September 2023

Orchard Academy Trust is registered at Companies House, company number 08249884, and is England and Wales. 

No employees in the Trust earn £100,000 or more.