Hawthorn
Chalkhill Farm, New House Lane, Chartham, CT4 7BF
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
7
Headteacher
Ms Sarah Watson
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Requires Improvement
Local authority
Kent
About Hawthorn
Based in Chartham, Hawthorn is a special school for children aged 11 to 19 and takes boys and girls. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. Ms Sarah Watson leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 5 May 2026, Hawthorn was judged Requires Improvement. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at Hawthorn
Hawthorn 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
Hawthorn 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, attachment and trauma, speech, language and communication needs, cognition and learning needs. Recorded provision: Specialist school. Support listed by the school includes equine and outdoor activities; mental health support; personalised learning linked to EHC plans. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Hawthorn contact details and location
You will find Hawthorn at Chalkhill Farm, New House Lane, Chartham, Kent, CT4 7BF. The school office can be reached on 07789 263410. 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.
Hawthorn admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Hawthorn results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Hawthorn
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
Specialisms
- Autism
- social
- emotional and mental health needs
- attachment and trauma
- speech
- language and communication needs
- cognition and learning needs
How SEND support works
Equine and outdoor activities; mental health support; personalised learning linked to EHC plans
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Hawthorn
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Hawthorn 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
Hawthorn: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Hawthorn?
Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Hawthorn Requires Improvement at its inspection on 5 May 2026. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Hawthorn and what ages does it take?
Hawthorn covers ages 11 to 19. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Hawthorn offer?
Hawthorn is recorded as a specialist school. Named areas of need include Autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, attachment and trauma, speech, language and communication needs, cognition and learning needs. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Hawthorn's term dates and INSET days?
Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn?
Hawthorn publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is Hawthorn and how do I contact the school?
Hawthorn is at Chalkhill Farm, New House Lane, Chartham, Kent, CT4 7BF. The office number is 07789 263410. 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 Hawthorn
The closest schools to CT4 7BF, measured from each school's own location.
Canterbury · Specialist · 1.1 miles
The Orchard School
Canterbury · Specialist · 1.1 miles
St Nicholas' School
Canterbury · Independent · 1.5 miles
Newingate School
Canterbury · Independent · 1.5 miles
Haven Nook
Canterbury · Independent · 4.0 miles
Hope View School
Whitstable · Independent · 7.4 miles
ISP School Whitstable
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