Primary schools · Folkestone

Primary schools in Folkestone.

Every state primary, infant and junior school in Folkestone, Kent. 18 schools with Ofsted ratings, admissions and contact details.

18 schools2 Outstanding9 Good1 Requires improvement5 New report card1 Not yet inspected

About schools in Folkestone

Folkestone has 25 schools listed on Schools in Kent, across every stage of a child's education, from nursery and reception through to sixth form. Families here can choose between 18 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, 2 grammar schools, 2 independent schools and 7 schools with dedicated SEND provision such as a specialist setting, SEN unit or resourced provision, giving parents genuine flexibility whether they are moving to the area or simply weighing up next steps. Many schools in Folkestone publish SEND information. Support varies by school, so check each school's SEND section and speak to the SENCO about your child's needs. Ofsted currently rates 100% of inspected schools in Folkestone as Good or Outstanding, including 5 judged Outstanding.

Local highlights include Hawkinge Primary School, St Eanswythe's CofE Primary School and St Martin's CofE Primary School. You will also find 6 schools with a sixth form, 1 with boarding places and Kent Test grammar options within Folkestone, which is useful if you are planning for the longer term. Use the interactive map to see catchment areas at a glance, filter by phase, or open any school for admissions, results, term dates, contact details and the latest Ofsted or ISI report. Every entry is independent and free to browse.

Showing 18 of 18 schools

Parent FAQs

How many schools are there in Folkestone?

There are 25 schools in Folkestone covering 18 primary, 3 secondary, 2 grammar and 2 independent.

Which are the best-rated schools in Folkestone?

Ofsted has judged 5 schools in Folkestone as Outstanding: Hawkinge Primary School, St Eanswythe's CofE Primary School, St Martin's CofE Primary School, The Harvey Grammar School and The Beacon Folkestone. Around 100% of inspected schools are rated Good or Outstanding overall.

Are there grammar schools in Folkestone?

Yes — Folkestone has 2 selective grammar schools (The Folkestone School for Girls and The Harvey Grammar School). Entry is via the Kent Test, usually taken in Year 6.

How do school catchment areas work in Folkestone?

Kent County Council does not use strict catchment areas for most community schools. Distance from home to the school is one of several oversubscription criteria, alongside siblings, looked-after status and, for faith schools, religious criteria. Always check each school's individual admissions policy.

Can I compare schools in Folkestone side by side?

Yes. Tap "Add to compare" on any school card to line up Ofsted ratings, results, pupil numbers, admissions and facilities on our compare page.

Are there grammar schools in Folkestone?

The Folkestone and Hythe area has established selective provision, including single-sex options, with entry through the Kent Test. Families here also look towards Ashford and Canterbury depending on travel. Each school profile on this page shows whether it is selective.

Do Hythe families use Folkestone schools?

Commonly, yes. Hythe and Folkestone sit within the same district and share much of the secondary provision, with primary schooling more locally based. Check the specific school's distance criteria, as the coastal strip means distances can be deceptive.