Bethersden School
School Road, Ashford, TN26 3AH
Pupils
115
Ages
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
115
Headteacher
Ms Rebecca Heaton
Type
Primary
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
About Bethersden School
Based in Bethersden, near Ashford, Bethersden School is a primary school for children aged 4 to 11 and takes boys and girls. The school currently has about 115 pupils. On our figures that is below the typical size for a primary school in Ashford. It is a maintained school within the Kent local authority area. Ms Rebecca Heaton leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 7 June 2023, Bethersden School was judged Good. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
The latest published key stage 2 figures show 46% met expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024/25). Overall absence stands at 4.4%, which is attendance of about 95.6% (2024/25). Around 29.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Figures come from the Department for Education's published school performance data and are shown in full further down this page.
Getting a place at Bethersden School
You apply for a place at Bethersden School on the primary common application form through Kent, with the national deadline of 15 January. Where there are more applications than places, the school's published oversubscription criteria decide who is offered a place, typically starting with looked-after children and siblings. There is no separate entrance assessment. Always check the current admissions policy on the school's own website before you apply, because criteria can change year to year.
SEND at a glance
Bethersden School is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Before and after school
For working families the school runs a breakfast club and an after-school club. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
Bethersden School contact details and location
You will find Bethersden School at School Road, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent, TN26 3AH. The school office can be reached on 01233 820479. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Last inspection: 07/06/2023
Quality of Education
How well pupils are taught and what they learn
Behaviour and Attitudes
How pupils behave and their attitude to learning
Personal Development
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Leadership and Management
How well the school is run
Early Years
Quality of nursery and Reception
Bethersden School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Bethersden School does not run its own entrance test. Places are allocated by Kent County Council using published oversubscription criteria. Oversubscription criteria usually cover looked-after children, siblings, distance from the school, and (for faith schools) faith criteria.
Official links
Dates and criteria change each year - always confirm with the school and Kent County Council. KCC school admissions →
How to apply
1. Apply on the common application form (autumn term before Reception)
Complete the Primary Common Application Form on the Kent County Council website by mid-January - for September 2026 entry the window ran from Friday 7 November 2025 to Thursday 15 January 2026, and offers were emailed on Thursday 16 April 2026.
2. National Offer Day (mid-April)
You'll be told your allocated school by email - for 2026 entry KCC emailed offers on Thursday 16 April 2026 after 4pm, with offers visible online from 5pm.
3. Accept and, if needed, appeal
Accept your place by the given date. If you didn't get your preferred school, you have the right to appeal.
4. In-year admissions
Moving mid-year? Apply directly through Kent County Council's in-year admissions team, or in some cases direct to the school.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Bethersden School is not offered on National Offer Day, you can appeal the decision. The appeal is heard by an independent panel and is free to submit.
How to appeal a school offerBethersden School results and attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Bethersden School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Bethersden School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Yes
After-school club
Yes
Bethersden School term dates: Bethersden School term dates
Autumn 1 · 2026
Term 1, 3 September-23 October 2026
Autumn 2 · 2026
Term 2, 2 November-18 December 2026
Spring 1 · 2027
Term 3, 5 January-12 February 2027
Spring 2 · 2027
Term 4, 22 February-25 March 2027
Summer 1 · 2027
Term 5, 13 April-28 May 2027
Summer 2 · 2027
Term 6, 8 June-21 July 2027
Bethersden School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Bethersden School?
Apply through Kent on the primary common application form by 15 January, naming Bethersden School as one of your preferences. Offers are made in April.
What is Bethersden School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Bethersden School Good at its inspection on 7 June 2023. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Bethersden School and what ages does it take?
Bethersden School has around 115 pupils on roll and covers ages 4 to 11. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Bethersden School offer?
Bethersden School is recorded as a mainstream school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
Does Bethersden School have a nursery or wraparound care?
Bethersden School offers a breakfast club and an after-school club. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are Bethersden School's term dates and INSET days?
Bethersden School follows the standard Kent pattern for 2026/27, set out term by term on this page. INSET days are set by the school itself, so confirm them on the school's own calendar.
Where is Bethersden School and how do I contact the school?
Bethersden School is at School Road, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent, TN26 3AH. The office number is 01233 820479. A map and directions are on this page.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed Summer 2026.
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Get my profile builtSchools near Bethersden School
The closest schools to TN26 3AH, measured from each school's own location.
Ashford · Primary · 2.4 miles
High Halden CofE Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.0 miles
Smarden Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.2 miles
Chilmington Green Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.3 miles
Pluckley CofE Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.3 miles
Woodchurch CofE Primary School
Tenterden · Primary · 3.8 miles
St Michael's CofE Primary School
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