Darrick Wood School

Darrick Wood School is a mainstream, co-educational, non-denominational secondary academy for 1700 children aged 11-18. It is situated in Orpington, Kent. In its most recent inspection by Ofsted (May 2024) the School was judged as “Good” in all areas.

The school was founded in 1975. In June 2004, it was awarded specialist status in technology. In 2010, Darrick Wood converted to academy status and a new Sixth-Form building was completed.

In 2015, the secondary school was awarded the World Class Schools quality mark.

Headteacher

Dr Martin Airey

Values and vision

Parents, pupils and staff agree that the School’s core values are respect, honesty and responsibility. These combine with an ethos of high expectation, where the whole School community works together to achieve the best possible outcomes for all. This is all encapsulated within the School’s motto Revereor Vitam, to have a reverence for life. We seek to provide a caring, secure and disciplined environment in which all can learn and flourish. Darrick Wood School provides a broad and balanced curriculum founded on strong academic traditions, and encourages students to further develop through participation in a wide range of enrichment activities.

Ofsted report

“Inclusion is at the heart of the school and evident  in the way that all pupils are welcomed, whatever  their aptitude or need."

“Pupils attain well in their GCSEs. In the sixth form, the range of subjects remains  extensive, and results at A level and in vocational examinations are strong."

"The school is vigilant about safeguarding and follows  up identified needs diligently, including pupils’  absence from school. As a result, attendance is strong."

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or  disabilities (SEND) receive a good deal."

View Darrick Wood School’s latest Ofsted report