Five Acre Wood School

  • Special
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 4 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

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

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 62 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Pupil numbers and mix

871 pupils on roll, with places for 680

Eligible for free school meals44.4%

44.4%, 17.9 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language9.3%

9.3%, 12.3 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Five Acre Wood School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
King's Reach Education1 mileReport card: Expected standard to strong standardNot published
Bower Grove School2 milesOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 8.9
Leigh Academy Snowfields2 milesOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 16.5
Serenity School Maidstone3 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardNot published
The Quest School7 milesOfsted: OutstandingNot 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
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.