Folkestone Academy
Academy Lane, Folkestone, CT19 5FP
Ofsted report card
Mixed ratings
New Nov 2025 system · 7 areas rated · See below
See the Ofsted ratingsPupils
915
Ages
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
915
Headteacher
Mr Matthew Tate
Type
Secondary
Ofsted
Rated across 7 areas
Local authority
Kent
Academy
Yes
Sixth form
Yes
About Folkestone Academy
Folkestone Academy is a mixed secondary school based in Folkestone for children aged 11 to 19. It has roughly 915 pupils on roll. It is an academy, so its governing trust sets its own admission arrangements within the national code, and Kent coordinates offers. The school has its own sixth form for post-16 study. The headteacher is Mr Matthew Tate.
Inspection at a glance
Ofsted rated Folkestone Academy Good at its inspection on 20 April 2022. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
At A level the published average grade is C (2024/25). Attendance works out at roughly 90.3% (absence 9.7%) (2024/25). Around 54.9% 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 Folkestone Academy
You apply for a place at Folkestone Academy on the secondary common application form through Kent, with the national deadline of 31 October. If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated on its published admissions criteria, which usually give priority to looked-after children, siblings and distance from home to school. There is no separate entrance 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
Folkestone Academy is described in the published data as a mainstream school with resourced provision. Named areas of need it supports include Autism. Recorded provision: Resourced provision: resourced provision capacity 30; ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Folkestone Academy contact details and location
Folkestone Academy is at Academy Lane, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5FP. The school office can be reached on 01303 842400. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Leadership & Governance
How well the school is led and overseen
Curriculum & Teaching
What pupils are taught and how well
Achievement
How well pupils do in their learning
Attendance & Behaviour
How pupils behave and how often they attend
Personal Development & Wellbeing
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Inclusion
How well the school supports every pupil, including those with extra needs
Sixth Form
Quality of post-16 education
Based on the Ofsted inspection of 19/05/2026.
Folkestone Academy admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Folkestone 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 Kent County 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 Kent County Council. KCC school admissions →
How to apply
1. Apply on the common application form (September-31 October)
Complete the Secondary Common Application Form on the Kent County Council website. Kent residents can list up to 4 schools in preference order.
2. National Offer Day (1 March)
You'll be told your allocated school by email.
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 - the school's admissions authority handles this.
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 Kent County Council if you need help finding a place.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Folkestone 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 offerFolkestone Academy results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Average grade · 2024/25
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Folkestone Academy
SEND setting
Mainstream school with resourced provision
SEND provision
Resourced provision: resourced provision capacity 30; ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Specialisms
- Autism
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Folkestone Academy
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Folkestone Academy 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
Folkestone Academy: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Folkestone Academy?
Apply through Kent on the secondary common application form by 31 October, naming Folkestone Academy as one of your preferences. Offers are made on National Offer Day on 1 March.
What is Folkestone Academy's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Folkestone Academy Good at its inspection on 20 April 2022. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does Folkestone Academy offer?
Folkestone Academy is recorded as a mainstream school with resourced provision. Named areas of need include Autism. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Folkestone Academy's term dates and INSET days?
Folkestone Academy 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 Folkestone Academy and how do I contact the school?
Folkestone Academy is at Academy Lane, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5FP. The office number is 01303 842400. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is Folkestone Academy and what ages does it take?
Folkestone Academy has around 915 pupils on roll and covers ages 11 to 19. 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 Folkestone Academy
The closest schools to CT19 5FP, measured from each school's own location.
Folkestone · Grammar · 0.6 miles
The Harvey Grammar School
Folkestone · Independent · 0.8 miles
Earlscliffe (Sussex Summer Schools Ltd)
Folkestone · Secondary · 0.8 miles
Turner Free School
Folkestone · Grammar · 1.3 miles
The Folkestone School for Girls
Hythe · Secondary · 4.5 miles
Brockhill Park Performing Arts College
Dover · Secondary · 5.8 miles
Astor College
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