The Orchard School
Cambridge Road, Canterbury, CT1 3QQ
Age range
Ages 7 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
110
Headteacher
Mr Alistair Hammond
Type
Specialist
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
About The Orchard School
The Orchard School is a specialist school in Canterbury, Kent, serving pupils aged 7 to 16. It admits both boys and girls.
Learning and school life
The curriculum is designed for pupils in the school's age range.
SEND and information for families
This is a specialist school. The school's SEND information covers autism, speech, language and communication and social, emotional and mental health. Parents should check the school's latest admissions policy and SEN information report for current details.
School admissions
Admissions assessment
No separate entrance assessment
School results & attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
100% − absence
Free school meals
SEND
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school: SLCN - Speech, language and Communication; ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder; SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Specialisms
Autism; Speech, language and communication; Social, emotional and mental health
Wraparound & nursery
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
The Orchard School term dates
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
Contact The Orchard School
Local help for families near The Orchard School
Tutors & 11+
Vetted tutors serving Canterbury and surrounding villages, covering Kent Test, GCSE and A-Level.
Coming soonClubs & activities
Sport, arts, drama and holiday clubs near Canterbury.
Coming soonParent services
Childminders, SEND support, family therapists and practical help for Kent parents.
Coming soonFrequently asked
What type of school is The Orchard School?
The Orchard School is a maintained specialist school. It admits both boys and girls.
What age range does The Orchard School cover?
The Orchard School serves pupils aged 7 to 16.
What SEND support does The Orchard School offer?
The Orchard School is a specialist school. Areas of SEND support include autism, speech, language and communication and social, emotional and mental health.
What is The Orchard School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated The Orchard School Good after its inspection on 3 February 2026.
Where is The Orchard School?
The Orchard School is at Cambridge Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3QQ.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed July 2026.
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