Smarden Primary School
Pluckley Road, Ashford, TN27 8ND
Age range
2 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
175
Headteacher
Mrs Claudia Miller
Type
Primary
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
Academy
Yes
About Smarden Primary School
Smarden Primary School is a primary school in Smarden, near Ashford for children aged 2 to 11, teaching boys and girls. Around 175 pupils are on roll. It is an academy rather than a council-run school, though Kent still coordinates the application process. Mrs Claudia Miller leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 11 May 2023, Smarden Primary 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 89% met expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024/25). Overall absence stands at 3.4%, which is attendance of about 96.6% (2024/25). Around 16.0% 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 Smarden Primary School
You apply for a place at Smarden Primary 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
Smarden Primary 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 an on-site nursery. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
Smarden Primary School contact details and location
You will find Smarden Primary School at Pluckley Road, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27 8ND. The school office can be reached on 01233 770316. 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.
Smarden Primary School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Smarden Primary School does not run its own entrance test. As an academy, its governing trust is the admissions authority and sets the arrangements within the national Admissions Code, while Kent County Council coordinates applications and offers. 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? In-year applications for an academy are usually made direct to the school - check its website for the in-year form, or contact Kent County Council if you need help finding a place.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Smarden Primary 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 offerSmarden Primary School results and attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Smarden Primary School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Smarden Primary School
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Smarden Primary 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
Smarden Primary School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Smarden Primary School?
Apply through Kent on the primary common application form by 15 January, naming Smarden Primary School as one of your preferences. Offers are made in April.
What is Smarden Primary School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Smarden Primary School Good at its inspection on 11 May 2023. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Smarden Primary School and what ages does it take?
Smarden Primary School has around 175 pupils on roll and covers ages 2 to 11. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Smarden Primary School offer?
Smarden Primary 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 Smarden Primary School have a nursery or wraparound care?
Smarden Primary School offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are Smarden Primary School's term dates and INSET days?
Smarden Primary 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 Smarden Primary School and how do I contact the school?
Smarden Primary School is at Pluckley Road, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27 8ND. The office number is 01233 770316. 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 Smarden Primary School
The closest schools to TN27 8ND, measured from each school's own location.
Ashford · Primary · 3.0 miles
Bethersden School
Ashford · Primary · 3.2 miles
Pluckley CofE Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.3 miles
John Mayne CofE Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.3 miles
Egerton CofE Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.3 miles
Headcorn Primary School
Ashford · Primary · 3.5 miles
High Halden CofE Primary School
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