Newingate School
48 New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3DT
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
35
Headteacher
Mrs Michele Smith
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
About Newingate School
Newingate School is a mixed special school based in Canterbury for children aged 11 to 18. It has roughly 35 pupils on roll. On our figures that is below the typical size for a special school in Canterbury. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Mrs Michele Smith leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 30 April 2024, Newingate School was judged Good. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at Newingate School
Newingate School 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
Newingate School is a specialist SEND setting, so every pupil on roll has identified additional needs. Named areas of need it supports include Autism, social, emotional and mental health needs. Recorded provision: Specialist school. Support listed by the school includes therapeutic team; personalised learning linked to EHC plans; support with communication, regulation and independence. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Newingate School contact details and location
You will find Newingate School at 48 New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3DT. The school office can be reached on 01227 501309. 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.
Newingate School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Newingate School 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 Newingate School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Newingate School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Newingate School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
Specialisms
- Autism
- social
- emotional and mental health needs
How SEND support works
Therapeutic team; personalised learning linked to EHC plans; support with communication, regulation and independence
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Newingate School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Newingate 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
Newingate School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Newingate School?
Newingate School 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 Newingate School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Newingate School Good at its inspection on 30 April 2024. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Newingate School and what ages does it take?
Newingate School has around 35 pupils on roll and covers ages 11 to 18. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Newingate School offer?
Newingate School is recorded as a specialist school. Named areas of need include Autism, social, emotional and mental health needs. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Newingate School's term dates and INSET days?
Newingate 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.
How much are fees at Newingate School?
Newingate School publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is Newingate School and how do I contact the school?
Newingate School is at 48 New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3DT. The office number is 01227 501309. 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 Newingate School
The closest schools to CT1 3DT, measured from each school's own location.
Canterbury · Specialist · 0.5 miles
St Nicholas' School
Canterbury · Specialist · 0.6 miles
The Orchard School
Canterbury · Independent · 0.7 miles
Haven Nook
Chartham · Independent · 1.5 miles
Hawthorn
Canterbury · Independent · 5.3 miles
Hope View School
Whitstable · Independent · 6.7 miles
ISP School Whitstable
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