Five Acre Wood School
Boughton Lane, Maidstone, ME15 9QFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Five Acre Wood School is a special school in Maidstone for ages 4 to 19. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in July 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 2 July 2024, report published 8 September 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 2 July 2024
An ethos of 'one wood, many trees' underpins the inclusive practice that sees pupils receive a rich and fulfilling education at Five Acre Wood. Many pupils have complex medical and educational needs. They each learn a curriculum tailored to meet their needs and aspirations, following one of the various learning approaches that the school offers. An unrelenting culture of ambition underpins them all. Planning for the future starts as soon as children join the school in Nursery. Throughout their education, pupils learn very well. They learn to communicate and interact with people and the world around them. When ready, pupils receive thoughtful support to move on to further education and employment. This school is focused on giving pupils the very best start in life. Pupils are supported by staff who understand the various ways in which pupils communicate. If pupils struggle to manage their feelings, they receive effective support to refocus and settle. Pupils behave well because they know exactly what is expected of them. School routines are clear and consistent, meaning classrooms are calm and orderly places where pupils can learn. Staff praise pupils for their hard work and when they meet their personal achievements. Pupils learn to be proud of themselves and consistently strive to achieve their very best.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
70 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
871 pupils on roll, with places for 680
Schools near Five Acre Wood School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| King's Reach Education | 1 mile | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| Bower Grove School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 8.9 |
| Leigh Academy Snowfields | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 16.5 |
| Serenity School Maidstone | 3 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| The Quest School | 7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Foundation special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Trust
- Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KSENT)
- Age range
- 4 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Peggy Murphy
- Phone
- 01622743925
- Address
- Boughton Lane, Maidstone, ME15 9QF
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 119055
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.