Haven Nook
73-75, Castle Street, Canterbury, CT1 2QD
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
19
Headteacher
Mr Wojciech Bialek
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
About Haven Nook
Haven Nook is a mixed special school based in Canterbury for children aged 11 to 18. It has roughly 19 pupils on roll. That puts it among the smaller special schools in Canterbury on our figures. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. The headteacher is Mr Wojciech Bialek.
Inspection at a glance
Ofsted rated Haven Nook Good at its inspection on 12 November 2025. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at Haven Nook
Haven Nook sets its own admissions. Families apply to the school directly rather than through a council application round, and places usually follow a visit, registration and the school's own 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
Haven Nook 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 needs, autism, high anxiety. Recorded provision: Specialist school. Support listed by the school includes small-group learning; communication and interaction support; individual careers guidance; support linked to EHC plans. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Haven Nook contact details and location
Haven Nook is at 73-75, Castle Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2QD. The school office can be reached on 01227 469156. 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.
Haven Nook admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Haven Nook runs its own admissions process. You apply directly to the school, usually with a registration fee, an assessment or taster day, and often an interview. Bursaries and scholarships may be available - ask early.
Official links
Applications go direct to the school - you do not apply through your local council.
How to apply
1. Book a visit or open day
Most independent schools want you to visit before you apply - open days and private tours are both usually offered.
2. Register with the school
Complete the school's registration form and pay the registration fee. Some schools have a waiting list a year or more ahead.
3. Assessment / taster day
Depending on age, this can be an informal assessment, a taster day in class, or a formal entrance test with an interview.
4. Offer and deposit
The school makes an offer directly. A deposit secures the place; check the terms and notice period carefully.
5. Bursaries & scholarships
Ask about means-tested bursaries and scholarships. Deadlines are often earlier than main entry.
Didn't get a place? Ask about waiting lists
Independent schools manage their own admissions. If you are not offered a place at Haven Nook, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Haven Nook results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Haven Nook
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
Specialisms
- Social
- emotional and mental health needs
- autism
- high anxiety
How SEND support works
Small-group learning; communication and interaction support; individual careers guidance; support linked to EHC plans
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Haven Nook
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Haven Nook 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
Haven Nook: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Haven Nook?
Haven Nook is independent, so you apply to the school directly rather than through a council round. Contact the admissions office to arrange a visit and register.
What is Haven Nook's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Haven Nook Good at its inspection on 12 November 2025. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does Haven Nook offer?
Haven Nook is recorded as a specialist school. Named areas of need include Social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, high anxiety. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Haven Nook's term dates and INSET days?
Haven Nook 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.
How much are fees at Haven Nook?
Haven Nook publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is Haven Nook and how do I contact the school?
Haven Nook is at 73-75, Castle Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2QD. The office number is 01227 469156. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is Haven Nook and what ages does it take?
Haven Nook has around 19 pupils on roll and covers ages 11 to 18. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
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 Haven Nook
The closest schools to CT1 2QD, measured from each school's own location.
Canterbury · Specialist · 0.5 miles
St Nicholas' School
Canterbury · Specialist · 0.5 miles
The Orchard School
Canterbury · Independent · 0.7 miles
Newingate School
Chartham · Independent · 1.5 miles
Hawthorn
Canterbury · Independent · 5.0 miles
Hope View School
Whitstable · Independent · 6.1 miles
ISP School Whitstable
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