Classpot

Aylesford School

Tonbridge and Malling, ME20 7JUSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted inspected
3 Good · 2 Requires improvement
Apr 2025
Progress 8
-0.84
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
0.8×
Not oversubscribed
133 1st-choice / 177 places
Ranking
#2,951
of 3,141 nationally

About Aylesford School

Of the 158 parents who responded to Ofsted's Parent View survey between September 2024 and September 2025, 70% said they would recommend Aylesford School to other parents. That's a solid majority, though it leaves nearly a third who wouldn't. The school is clearly popular on paper: for 2025/26 admissions, it received 501 applications for 177 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2. 83, with 119 first-preference offers made from 133 first-preference applications. Parents gave notably strong marks for clubs and activities, with 95% agreeing their child can take part, and 42% strongly agreeing. On the other hand, only 49% felt concerns were dealt with properly, and 31% disagreed that SEND children get the support they need. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, in April 2025, rated overall effectiveness as not judged, but the quality of education and leadership and management were both graded as requires improvement, while behaviour, personal development and sixth-form provision were all good.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressTeapot Lane, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling, ME20 7JU
HeadteacherTanya Kelvie
Local AuthorityKent
Number of Pupils905
Free School Meals (FSM)23.0%
School Capacity905 / 1,044 (87% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

What 158 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

29 Apr 2025
View Report
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Requires improvement
Sixth Form Provision
Good

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade in inspections of state-funded schools.

Source: Ofsted, 24 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:45 – 15:15

Source: aylesford.kent.sch.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Aylesford School

Aylesford School has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.