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The Maplesden Noakes School

Maidstone, ME16 0TJSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2024
Progress 8
-0.55
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
222 1st-choice / 239 places
Ranking
#2,673
of 3,141 nationally

About The Maplesden Noakes School

The Maplesden Noakes School is a large mixed secondary in Maidstone, currently home to 1,421 pupils against a capacity of 1,500, so it is running close to full. The proportion of students eligible for free school meals stands at 24. 6%, which is notably higher than the national average for secondary schools and signals a more diverse intake than many of its Kent neighbours. Demand is strong: for the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 957 applications for 239 places, an oversubscription ratio of 4 to 1. Of those, 222 families put it as their first preference, and 199 first-preference offers were made, meaning roughly nine in ten first-choice applicants secured a place. This level of competition suggests the school is a popular local option, particularly for families seeking a non-selective, co-educational state school in an area where grammar schools dominate the top of the performance tables.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressBuckland Road, Maidstone, Maidstone, ME16 0TJ
HeadteacherTom Newcombe
Local AuthorityKent
Number of Pupils1,421
Free School Meals (FSM)24.6%
School Capacity1,421 / 1,500 (95% full)
Sixth FormYes

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 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

1 May 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 9 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingLearning DifficultyOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:55 – 15:15

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Maplesden Noakes School

The Maplesden Noakes School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.