Bower Grove School
Fant Lane, Maidstone, ME16 8NLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Bower Grove School is a special school in Maidstone for ages 4 to 16. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in September 2019.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 18 September 2019, report published 14 October 2019
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 19 November 2024
This is a school where pupils' self-esteem and well-being is prioritised. The school's strong support for pupils' emotional and social development helps to build their resilience and confidence. As a result, pupils say that they feel protected and enjoy coming to school. Staff build positive working relationships with pupils. Staff get to know pupils exceptionally well, understanding their behavioural and emotional needs. Pupils are helped to identify what may cause them to experience challenges. They are taught strategies to help them to understand and manage their emotions and how to respond to different situations. Pupils trust staff to help resolve any issues or concerns that may arise. Consequently, for many pupils, incidents of behaviour in and outside of the classroom reduce over time. All staff have high aspirations for pupils. They encourage pupils to be ambitious for themselves. Pupils are provided with a range of opportunities and experiences to prepare them for adulthood. The school offers comprehensive travel training and an extensive array of work experience placements based on pupils' interests. Pupils might spend time with the army, local primary schools or learn web design. As a result, pupils are ready to take their next steps when they leave the school.
What the school should improve
- On a few occasions, adaptations to the academic work set to pupils' and the resources to support learning lack precision. This means that some pupils do not have the right support to practice, strengthen and develop new knowledge and skills. The school should ensure that teaching is adapted successfully so that all pupils are well supported in their learning.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
29 pupils took the tests
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
29 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
246 pupils on roll, with places for 225
Schools near Bower Grove School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serenity School Maidstone | 2 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| Five Acre Wood School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Leigh Academy Snowfields | 3 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 16.5 |
| King's Reach Education | 3 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| Medway Green School | 6 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 3.1 |
School details
- School type
- Foundation special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Maz Cleave
- Phone
- 01622726773
- Address
- Fant Lane, Maidstone, ME16 8NL
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 119036
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.