Best State Secondary Schools in Kent

Valence School is an all-through co-ed boarding school located in Westerham, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 2:1 and outstanding behaviour and attitudes, it provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 4-19. The school focuses on personal development, offering exceptional resources and facilities. Valence School has achieved a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with outstanding leadership and management. Although exam results are below average, the school excels in providing a safe and inclusive education for students with physical disabilities.

Five Acre Wood School is an outstanding all-through school in Maidstone, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides individualized attention to meet the complex needs of its students. The passionate leadership team and staff create a strong community of excellence, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their next stage of education or employment. With comprehensive knowledge of each pupil's individual needs, the school delivers an exceptional tailored curriculum and maintains a strong safeguarding culture. Five Acre Wood School is committed to providing an excellent learning experience, making it a top choice for parents.

Bradfields Academy is an outstanding all-through school located in Medway. With a focus on addressing individual needs, the school provides exceptional support to ensure students thrive. The caring and inclusive environment, along with effective safeguarding arrangements, creates a positive learning experience. Bradfields Academy also offers strong careers guidance and expansion projects, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future. As a leading centre of excellence in special education, the school aims to develop responsible citizens and global ambassadors for students with disabilities.

Bower Grove School is an outstanding all-through school located in Maidstone. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, the school focuses on providing individual attention and support to each student. The school excels in promoting positive behavior and emotions, ensuring that pupils feel safe and happy. With high aspirations for pupil achievement and exceptional preparation for college and work, Bower Grove School is a top choice for parents looking for a nurturing and academically rigorous education for their children.

Abbey Court Foundation Special School is an outstanding all-through school located in Strood, Medway. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a strong focus on individualized learning, the school ensures that each child's needs are met. The school has a diverse and exciting curriculum, as well as a strong extra-curricular offer. Furthermore, safeguarding arrangements are highly effective, ensuring that students feel safe and secure. With outstanding leadership and management, Abbey Court Foundation Special School provides an exceptional education for students with severe and profound learning difficulties.

The Beacon Folkestone is an outstanding all-through school located in Folkestone, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, personalized learning and high expectations are at the forefront. The school offers strong early years provision, specialist teams co-located with NHS and social services, and regular support and expertise to other schools. With an overall grade of A+ and outstanding exam results, The Beacon Folkestone provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

Ifield School is an outstanding all-through school located in Gravesham. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a strong focus on speech and language development, the school provides high-quality support for students with special educational needs. Pupils are safe, happy, and well looked after, and the school's outstanding leadership and management ensure that every child thrives. Although attendance rates are lower than expected, the school's excellent overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, and quality of teaching make it a top choice for parents.

Meadowfield School is an outstanding all-through school located in Swanstree Avenue, Swale. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, the school prioritizes individualized learning experiences for its students aged 4-19. Led by Headteacher Ms Angela Howe, the school boasts exceptional achievements, outstanding teaching quality, and a safe and positive environment. With a focus on unlocking every student's potential, Meadowfield School ensures that all students receive equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Elms School is a Foundation Special School that caters to the social, emotional, and academic needs of students aged 6 to 16. With high aspirations for pupils and effective teaching, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum. Our focus on personalized support ensures smooth transitions to college. Despite some challenges with teacher expectations and attendance, our dedicated staff and supportive environment nurture happy and proud students.

Rowhill School is an all-through special school located in Longfield and New Barn, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 5-16 with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school has received a Good rating from Ofsted, highlighting its effectiveness in leadership, teaching, and personal development. With a focus on individualized learning and wellbeing, Rowhill School aims to help students thrive academically and emotionally.

Bradstow School is an outstanding all-through school located in Broadstairs and St. Peters, South East. With a student teacher ratio of 3:1, the school provides personalized and supportive education for students aged 5-19 with complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, and Severe Learning Difficulties. The dedicated staff and leadership team ensure that pupils make exceptional progress both academically and personally. With an overall grade of B from Snobe, and an outstanding rating from Ofsted, parents can trust that their child's educational and holistic needs will be met at Bradstow School.

St George's Church of England Foundation School is a highly regarded co-educational institution in Broadstairs and St. Peters, South East. With a strong emphasis on high-quality education, the school provides consistent and effective teaching across all key stages. The sixth form offers a comprehensive higher education preparation program, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future. The school values integrity and promotes strong relationships between staff and pupils. Although there are areas for improvement, such as challenging the most able students and understanding the needs of SEND children, the school strives for excellence in academics and personal development. With outstanding leadership and management, St George's Church of England Foundation School offers a supportive and enriching environment for students to thrive.

The Orchard School is a co-ed middle deemed secondary school located in Canterbury. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a strong focus on personal development, this school provides a supportive and nurturing environment for its students. Offering a range of SEN support for students with ASD and SEMH needs, the school ensures that every child receives the attention they need to succeed. With good overall effectiveness and high grades for teachers and resources, The Orchard School is committed to providing a quality education for all students.

St Anthony's School is a nurturing and challenging educational institution. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a focus on emotional well-being, the school provides a secure atmosphere for students to excel. The leadership team maintains high standards of education while promoting positive support and meaningful interactions. With an emphasis on individuality and equal opportunities, St Anthony's equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a global community.

Grange Park School is a co-ed middle deemed secondary school that was founded in 2009. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides individualized attention to its 157 students aged 8-19. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating and offers a safe learning environment with dedicated teachers. Grange Park School focuses on online safety and mental health, ensuring the well-being of its students. Although exam results show room for improvement, the school is committed to supporting its students' achievements.

The John Wallis Church of England Academy is a co-ed all-through school located in Stanhope, South East. With a strong emphasis on academic achievement, the school provides a safe and supportive environment for students from ages 3 to 19. The quality of teaching and learning is commendable, and the leadership team inspires loyalty from staff and students. The academy's sixth form has shown great success, and safeguarding arrangements are meticulous. While attendance remains below national figures, parents can trust that their children will receive a well-rounded education in a happy and nurturing atmosphere.

Stone Bay School is an all-through co-ed boarding school in Broadstairs and St. Peters. With a student teacher ratio of 4:1, the school provides individualized attention to students aged 4-19 with ASD and SLD. With an A- grade overall and strong leadership, Stone Bay School offers a safe and engaging learning environment. Additionally, the school prioritizes safeguarding and has a robust system to track students' progress.

The Hundred of Hoo Academy is a good all-through school located in Hoo, South East. With a clear determination and high expectations from its leaders, the school ensures that every student makes good progress and acts on feedback. The curriculum prepares pupils well for the future, and the outstanding provision in early years sets a strong foundation. The school also offers a successful sixth form, where students receive good progress and support. The academy is committed to providing a world-class education and aims to have every student attend a top university or pursue a job of their choosing.

St Nicholas' School is an all-through school located in Canterbury, South East. With a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and a calm, supportive environment, the school provides a high level of individual attention to help students excel. The school has a strong focus on academic and non-academic progress, with highly skilled leaders continuously striving to improve outcomes for all pupils. With an overall grade of B-, the school is rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, highlighting its effective leadership, achievement of pupils, and quality of teaching.

Foreland Fields School is a highly regarded all-through school located in Ramsgate, South East. With a student to teacher ratio of 8:1, the school offers a nurturing and supportive environment for children aged 2-19 with severe learning difficulties. The school's impressive resources, including a hydrotherapy pool, enhance the educational experience. In addition to academic achievements, the school prioritizes the well-being and progress of students, supported by strong relationships between staff and pupils. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment. With a 'Good' rating from Ofsted, Foreland Fields School provides high-quality education and care for children with complex needs.