Welcome
Why Dorothy Barley Junior Academy?
Welcome to Dorothy Barley Junior Academy. We are a popular four form entry junior school which was graded ‘GOOD’ in all areas by Ofsted in 2023. We also have a 12 place Additional Resource Provision for children with Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties on site. Our children come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and we value and celebrate the diversity and sense of community this brings to our school.
We are located in Dagenham close to Becontree Tube Station in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The school shares a site with Dorothy Barley Infant School. We have a good relationship with the Infant School and all children from the infant school are guaranteed a place at our academy.
Since 1st June 2014 we have been part of the REAch2 Academy Trust (Raising Educational Achievement for Children). This is primary charitable trust and a family of primary academies that have strong reputations for delivering outstanding education for all pupils.
In February 2017 the school was awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark, the assessor noted that ‘Dorothy Barley Junior Academy is an excellent example of outstanding inclusive practice.’ In January 2020 we were awarded the IQM Flagship School Status, the highest of the Inclusion Quality Mark awards in recognition of the fact that the school is ‘an inclusive school where all children’s skills and abilities are valued.’
In May 2017 the school was graded ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted. Ofsted said ‘Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They behave well, work hard and are keen to succeed. Pupils get on well and respect each other in this diverse and harmonious community.’
In May 2018 the school was awarded the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Quality Mark. The assessor said ‘SMSC is regarded highly within the school. Not only is this demonstrated through the application of the Quality Mark, but also through the dedication of the staff and governors to ensure that all aspects of SMSC are shared, understood and reviewed.’ We now hold the Gold standard SMSC Quality Mark.
In March 2023 the school was again graded ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted. They said of our school…
This is a caring school where pupils are taught to include everyone.
One pupil, reflecting the views of many, said, ‘I feel like I matter in this school. The school makes lots of changes based on what we say to make us more comfortable’
Leaders have high aspirations for the achievement of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Pupils are happy and well cared for.
Classrooms and corridors are typically calm, orderly places. Pupils concentrate on their work. They get along well together in the playground.
Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom, including regular visits to local museums.
We look forward to meeting you!
Miss Leicester, Headteacher
Dorothy Barley Junior Academy works with The Skills Builder Partnership to ensure every learner has opportunities to build eight essential skills to support them now and in the future.
Research has shown that building these eight essential skills can support the emotional wellbeing and academic success of children and young people, as well as preparing them for life beyond school.
Skills Builder has developed a Universal Framework that breaks each of these essential skills down into 16 teachable steps. We use this framework to teach and practice each of the eight skills at the appropriate level throughout school life
General Enquiries [email protected]
Administrative & General Enquires – Ms Nadine Clair
Please note: For copies of any of the documents included on this website please speak to a member of the School Office Admin Team who will provide them for free of charge.
Are you interested in training to be a teacher?
We are a proud partner school in the REAch Teach primary teacher training partnership, which offers a school-based training route in our school and other local schools. Our Primary PGCE is a unique programme that puts you in control of your development from the moment you apply to the moment you qualify as a teacher, through a carefully crafted, blended model of online and in-person training sessions and a strong focus on wellbeing.
REAchTeach Primary Partnership
If you’re starting to consider your options for teacher training in September 2024, we would be delighted to share more information about our newly designed programme for 2024 entry. Please get in touch with the Initial Teacher Training team at [email protected] with any questions or visit our website – https://www.reachteach.org/
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On Monday 26th January 2026, selected members of our Pupil Voice teams attended the Travel for Life (& Transport for London) Explorer Ambassadors Spring Seminar in the TfL new home in Stratford Cross. In Workshop 1 they worked together to design an exciting Summer Active Travel competition for our school. They took part in decision-making games, paired work and class discussions, helping them feel a sense of ownership over their final idea. In Workshop 2 they focused on communication skills building their public speaking confidence. They took part in fun breathing and vocal warm-ups, then explored simple techniques for presenting and pitching ideas clearly and persuasively. They worked on their rate of speech, volume, melody, tonality and pausing, to refine their presentation techniques. Throughout the day they used all our Essential Skills including, speaking, listening, planning, adapting, problem solving, teamwork, leadership and creativity! They also helped support active travel and our focus on sustainability! Now, with plans in place, our Explorer Ambassadors will help us move from our current Bronze Travel for Life accreditation to Gold!
Always Aiming Higher!
Dorothy Barley Junior Academy works with The Skills Builder Partnership to ensure all our children have the opportunity to build eight essential skills to support them now and in the future.
