Ferndearle
Heather Lodge, 2 Radnor Park West, Folkestone, CT19 5HH
Age range
5 to 17
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
38
Headteacher
Mrs Jeannine Olivier
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
About Ferndearle
Ferndearle is a special school in Folkestone for children aged 5 to 17, teaching boys and girls. Around 38 pupils are on roll. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. Mrs Jeannine Olivier leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 23 September 2025, Ferndearle was judged Good. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at Ferndearle
Ferndearle 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
Ferndearle is a specialist SEND setting, so every pupil on roll has identified additional needs. Recorded provision: Specialist school. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Ferndearle contact details and location
You will find Ferndearle at Heather Lodge, 2 Radnor Park West, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5HH. The school office can be reached on 01303 850182. 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.
Ferndearle admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Ferndearle 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 Ferndearle, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Ferndearle results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Ferndearle
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Ferndearle
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Ferndearle 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
Ferndearle: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Ferndearle?
Ferndearle 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 Ferndearle's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Ferndearle Good at its inspection on 23 September 2025. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Ferndearle and what ages does it take?
Ferndearle has around 38 pupils on roll and covers ages 5 to 17. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Ferndearle offer?
Ferndearle 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 Ferndearle's term dates and INSET days?
Ferndearle 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 Ferndearle and how do I contact the school?
Ferndearle is at Heather Lodge, 2 Radnor Park West, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5HH. The office number is 01303 850182. 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.
Report an update →Do you run a business for families in Folkestone?
Local businesses, tutors, clubs and nurseries can have a full profile page here, in front of the parents already reading about Folkestone schools.
Get my profile builtSchools near Ferndearle
The closest schools to CT19 5HH, measured from each school's own location.
Folkestone · Specialist · 0.4 miles
The Beacon Folkestone
Dover · Specialist · 5.3 miles
Elms School
Temple Ewell · Independent · 6.2 miles
The Sallygate School
Ashford · Specialist · 9.9 miles
Caldecott Foundation School
Dover · Specialist · 9.9 miles
Portal House School
Deal · Specialist · 11.2 miles
Learning Opportunities Centre Secondary
Help us keep this page accurate
Spotted something wrong?
Tell us what needs updating on Ferndearle and we'll review it before the page changes.