Caldecott Foundation School
Station Road, Ashford, TN25 6PW
Age range
5 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
62
Headteacher
Miss Stacey McShane
Type
Specialist
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
Boarding
Yes
About Caldecott Foundation School
Caldecott Foundation School is a mixed special school based in Smeeth, near Ashford for children aged 5 to 18. It has roughly 62 pupils on roll. On our figures that is below the typical size for a special school in Ashford. It is a maintained school within the Kent local authority area. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Boarding places are offered alongside day places. Miss Stacey McShane leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 5 October 2022, Caldecott Foundation 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
Overall absence stands at 24.3%, which is attendance of about 75.7% (2024/25). Around 37.7% 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 Caldecott Foundation School
Caldecott Foundation School is a special school, so places are arranged through the education, health and care plan process rather than the normal application round. Kent names the school in a child's EHCP after consulting it. 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
Caldecott Foundation School is a specialist SEND setting, so every pupil on roll has identified additional needs. Named areas of need it supports include Social, emotional and mental health. Recorded provision: Specialist school: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Caldecott Foundation School contact details and location
You will find Caldecott Foundation School at Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6PW. The school office can be reached on 01303 815665. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Ofsted's most recent visit confirmed the overall rating. It did not re-grade the individual areas.
Caldecott Foundation School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Caldecott Foundation 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. Boarding places have a separate application and interview process - start early.
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 Caldecott Foundation 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 offerCaldecott Foundation School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Not published
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Caldecott Foundation School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Specialisms
- Social
- emotional and mental health
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Caldecott Foundation School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Caldecott Foundation School term dates: Kent standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Kent County Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
Caldecott Foundation School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Caldecott Foundation School?
Places at Caldecott Foundation School are arranged through the education, health and care plan (EHCP) process. Ask your SEN casework team at Kent to consult the school as part of your child's plan.
What is Caldecott Foundation School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Caldecott Foundation School Good at its inspection on 5 October 2022. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Caldecott Foundation School and what ages does it take?
Caldecott Foundation School has around 62 pupils on roll and covers ages 5 to 18. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Caldecott Foundation School offer?
Caldecott Foundation School is recorded as a specialist school. Named areas of need include Social, emotional and mental health. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Caldecott Foundation School's term dates and INSET days?
Caldecott Foundation 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 Caldecott Foundation School and how do I contact the school?
Caldecott Foundation School is at Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6PW. The office number is 01303 815665. 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 Caldecott Foundation School
The closest schools to TN25 6PW, measured from each school's own location.
Ashford · Independent · 3.8 miles
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The T3 School
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The Wyvern School Buxford
Ashford · Specialist · 6.2 miles
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Hope View School
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The Beacon Folkestone
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