Knole Academy
About Knole Academy
Knole Academy is a large secondary school in Sevenoaks, Kent, currently educating 1,410 pupils against a total capacity of 1,550, meaning it is not yet full but still draws significant demand. For the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 919 applications for 227 places, an oversubscription ratio of 4. 05, with 241 of those applications coming as first preferences. That level of competition suggests a strong local reputation, even though the school sits in a selective authority where grammar schools dominate the top of the Progress 8 rankings. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 21. 2%, which is notably higher than the national average for secondary schools and indicates a more diverse socioeconomic intake than many of its neighbours. This is a genuinely comprehensive state school in a selective area, and its admissions data shows it is a popular choice for families who either do not sit the 11-plus or prefer a non-selective environment.
Key Details
The full report on this school
The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Nov 2022Latest monitoring visit (23 Nov 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 31 Oct 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Knole Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices