Bradfields Academy
Churchill Avenue, Chatham, ME5 0LB
Age range
4 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
416
Headteacher
Mr David Waters
Type
Specialist
Ofsted
Outstanding
Local authority
Medway
Academy
Yes
Sixth form
Yes
About Bradfields Academy
Bradfields Academy is a special school in Chatham for children aged 4 to 19, teaching boys and girls. Around 416 pupils are on roll. It is an academy rather than a council-run school, though Medway still coordinates the application process. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Mr David Waters leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 30 November 2022, Bradfields Academy was judged Outstanding. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
Overall absence stands at 9.3%, which is attendance of about 90.7% (2024/25). Around 49.7% 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 Bradfields Academy
Bradfields Academy is a special school, so places are arranged through the education, health and care plan process rather than the normal application round. Medway names the school in a child's EHCP after consulting it. 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
Bradfields Academy is a specialist SEND setting, so every pupil on roll has identified additional needs. Recorded provision: Special classes. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Bradfields Academy contact details and location
You will find Bradfields Academy at Churchill Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME5 0LB. The school office can be reached on 01634 683990. 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.
Bradfields Academy admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Bradfields Academy 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 Medway Council coordinates applications and offers. Oversubscription criteria usually cover looked-after children, siblings, distance from the school, and (for faith schools) faith criteria.
Dates and criteria change each year - always confirm with the school and Medway Council. Medway school admissions →
How to apply
1. Apply on the common application form (autumn term before Reception)
Complete the Primary Common Application Form on the Medway 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 Medway Council if you need help finding a place.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Bradfields Academy 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 offerBradfields Academy results and attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
Not published
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Bradfields Academy
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Special classes
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Bradfields Academy
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Bradfields Academy term dates: Medway standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Medway 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
Bradfields Academy: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Bradfields Academy?
Places at Bradfields Academy are arranged through the education, health and care plan (EHCP) process. Ask your SEN casework team at Medway to consult the school as part of your child's plan.
What is Bradfields Academy's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Bradfields Academy Outstanding at its inspection on 30 November 2022. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Bradfields Academy and what ages does it take?
Bradfields Academy has around 416 pupils on roll and covers ages 4 to 19. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Bradfields Academy offer?
Bradfields Academy is recorded as a specialist school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Bradfields Academy's term dates and INSET days?
Bradfields Academy follows the standard Medway 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 Bradfields Academy and how do I contact the school?
Bradfields Academy is at Churchill Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME5 0LB. The office number is 01634 683990. 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 Bradfields Academy
The closest schools to ME5 0LB, measured from each school's own location.
Chatham · Specialist · 0.0 miles
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Blue Skies School
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Medway Green School
Gillingham · Specialist · 3.1 miles
Rivermead School
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