St Ronan's School
Water Lane, Cranbrook, TN18 5DJ
Age range
2 to 13
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
408
Headteacher
Mr Joseph Lewis
Type
Independent
Inspection
Inspected by ISI
Faith
Church of England
Local authority
Kent
Boarding
Yes
About St Ronan's School
St Ronan's School is a mixed independent school based in Hawkhurst, near Cranbrook for children aged 2 to 13. It has roughly 408 pupils on roll. The school has a Church of England character. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. Boarding places are offered alongside day places. The headteacher is Mr Joseph Lewis.
Inspection at a glance
As an independent school, St Ronan's School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted, so it does not carry an Ofsted overall grade. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at St Ronan's School
St Ronan's 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
St Ronan's School is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Before and after school
St Ronan's School offers an on-site nursery. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
St Ronan's School contact details and location
St Ronan's School is at Water Lane, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN18 5DJ. The school office can be reached on 01580 752271. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Inspection
Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
St Ronan's School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
St Ronan's 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. As a Church of England school, faith-based criteria may apply in oversubscription - a supplementary information form is usually required. Boarding places have a separate application and interview process - start early. 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 St Ronan's School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
St Ronan's School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at St Ronan's School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at St Ronan's School
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
St Ronan's 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
St Ronan's School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at St Ronan's School?
St Ronan's 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 St Ronan's School's Ofsted rating?
St Ronan's School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate rather than Ofsted, so it has no Ofsted overall grade. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does St Ronan's School offer?
St Ronan's School is recorded as a mainstream school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
Does St Ronan's School have a nursery or wraparound care?
St Ronan's School offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are St Ronan's School's term dates and INSET days?
St Ronan's 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.
Where is St Ronan's School and how do I contact the school?
St Ronan's School is at Water Lane, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN18 5DJ. The office number is 01580 752271. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is St Ronan's School and what ages does it take?
St Ronan's School has around 408 pupils on roll and covers ages 2 to 13. 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 St Ronan's School
The closest schools to TN18 5DJ, measured from each school's own location.
Cranbrook · Independent · 2.4 miles
Benenden School
Cranbrook · Grammar · 3.3 miles
Cranbrook School
Cranbrook · Independent · 6.4 miles
Bethany School
Tenterden · Secondary · 7.1 miles
Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre
Tonbridge · Secondary · 10.5 miles
Mascalls Academy
Sutton Valence · Independent · 11.7 miles
Sutton Valence School
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