The Lenham School
Ham Lane, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2LLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Lenham School is a secondary school in Maidstone for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. It ranks 10th of 12 secondary schools in Maidstone. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2019.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 5 November 2019, report published 1 December 2019
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 4 February 2025
Pupils are happy and proud to attend this school. There is a tangible sense of belonging and community. 'The Lenham Character Compass' underpins all aspects of school life. Pupils appreciate and share the ambition that staff have for them to 'be the best they can be'. The majority rise to this expectation. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported effectively and access the full curriculum. Pupils behave well. They are keen to learn and engage positively in lessons. During social times, pupils chat with their friends and play sports. The dining hall is a calm environment where pupils enjoy lunch. Pupils are well supported by staff. They trust staff to help them if they have a concern. As a result, they feel safe and well cared for. Pupils value the opportunities that the school provide for them to develop their confidence, skills and talents. Many pupils participate in a wide variety of clubs, including choir, dance, badminton and art. They take on various leadership roles. For example, as members of the school council or as reading partners. Students in the sixth form relish being positive role models for younger pupils and take this responsibility seriously.
What the school should improve
- Sometimes, teachers do not check what pupils know and understand carefully enough before moving them on to new learning. When this is the case, key gaps and misconceptions are not addressed effectively. As a result, some pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school should ensure that all staff know how to use assessment efficiently to help all pupils progress effectively through the curriculum.
- Some pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, do not attend school often enough. This affects their learning and achievement. In addition, these pupils do not take advantage of all that the school has to offer. The school should further build on its current effective work with parents and carers and external agencies to ensure that the barriers that stop pupils attending school are removed.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
146 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
820 pupils on roll, with places for 1,012
Schools near The Lenham School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sutton Valence School | 5 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 27.2 |
| Fulston Manor School | 7 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 35.3 |
| Highsted Grammar School | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 61.1 |
| The Sittingbourne School | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 34.1 |
| Borden Grammar School | 7 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 63.2 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- VALLEY INVICTA ACADEMIES TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Robbie Ferguson
- Phone
- 01622858267
- Address
- Ham Lane, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2LL
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 143954
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.