Alchemy School
105 Nelson Road, Gillingham, ME7 4LTOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Alchemy School is a special school in Gillingham for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 110 schools in Medway. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in March 2026.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 17 March 2026, report published 10 June 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Expected standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Expected standard
- Achievement
- Expected standard
- Attendance and behaviour
- Expected standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Strong standard
- Leadership and governance
- Expected standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 17 March 2026
Many pupils at Alchemy School have attended several other schools before coming here. Their experience at Alchemy helps pupils to settle in quickly because their social and emotional needs are put first. They feel safe, supported and are generally happy at school. Many pupils overcome their challenges to attend well. However, leaders know there is still more to do to ensure that every pupil attends as regularly as possible. Pupils develop excellent, positive relationships with each other. Bullying and any form of discrimination are dealt with well. Pupils trust the staff, who work hard to understand each pupil's needs. Because of this, pupils feel accepted and confident. They enjoy learning and leave school with qualifications that prepare them for college, training or work. Pupils also benefit from a wide range of trips and activities outside the classroom. These experiences help them grow, learn new skills and enjoy school life. In lessons, pupils pay attention and like to share their ideas. They show a positive attitude towards learning. The curriculum is well planned to meets their needs. Leaders are committed to continually improving the curriculum and the quality of teaching. Clear routines help pupils understand what is expected of them in lessons. Staff have high expectations for behaviour and pupils respond well to this. They behave sensibly in lessons and during breaktimes. They are respectful to staff and to each other. The curriculum helps pupils learn about many important topics that support their personal development. For example, they learn about citizenship and how to play a positive role in their community. These lessons help pupils understand the world around them and how they can contribute to society in a positive way.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should continue to check that their attendance strategy is having the intended impact on pupils' attendance to ensure they take swift actions to improve the attendance of individual pupils and groups of pupils where needed.
- Leaders should continue to strengthen the systems and processes that they use to check the impact of their work across the school.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
21 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
58 pupils on roll, with places for 120
Schools near Alchemy School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivermead School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 13.3 |
| Danecourt School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Blue Skies School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Ripplevale School Rochester | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 1.1 |
| INSPIRE Free Special School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 2.9 |
School details
- School type
- Other independent special school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Lisa Bowles
- Phone
- 01634217721
- Address
- 105 Nelson Road, Gillingham, ME7 4LT
- Local authority
- Medway
- URN
- 146736
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.