Palace Wood Primary School
101%
Capacity
426
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Palace Wood Primary School
Palace Wood Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Maidstone community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 426 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 420 places).
Ofsted has rated Palace Wood Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Clare Cairns, it falls under Kent local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 56% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — close to the national average. Additionally, ranked 9033rd out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 31st out of 44 in Maidstone.
Palace Wood Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 134 applications for 60 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 48 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Palace Wood Primary School include Library, Art Studios, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Football, Swimming, Dance, as well as clubs including Chess, Drama, Coding.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.3%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Maidstone, Palace Wood Primary School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Ash Grove, Maidstone, Maidstone, ME16 0AB |
| Headteacher | Clare Cairns |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Number of Pupils | 426 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.3% |
| School Capacity | 426 / 420 (101% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Sept 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (15 Sept 2022): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Sept 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (56%)
9033rd of 13,686
Nationally
1354th of 2,034
In South East
31st of 44
In Maidstone
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
56%
Expected Standard
11%
Higher Standard
'22/23
70%
'23/24
56%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
7Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed60
134
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
48 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palace Wood Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Ash Grove, Maidstone
Maidstone, ME16 0AB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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