Rivermead School
Forge Lane, Gillingham, ME7 1UG
Age range
4 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
139
Headteacher
Miss Shelley Campbell
Type
Specialist
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Medway
Academy
Yes
About Rivermead School
Rivermead School is a mixed special school based in Gillingham for children aged 4 to 16. It has roughly 139 pupils on roll. It is an academy rather than a council-run school, though Medway still coordinates the application process. Miss Shelley Campbell leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 21 February 2024, Rivermead School was judged Good. 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 14.5%, which is attendance of about 85.5% (2024/25). Around 55.7% 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 Rivermead School
Rivermead School 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
Rivermead School is a specialist SEND setting, so every pupil on roll has identified additional needs. Named areas of need it supports include Autism, Speech, language and communication, Social, emotional and mental health, Physical disability. Recorded provision: SEN unit: SEN unit capacity 180; SLCN - Speech, language and Communication; ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder; SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health; PD - Physical Disability. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Rivermead School contact details and location
You will find Rivermead School at Forge Lane, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1UG. The school office can be reached on 01634 338348. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Last inspection: 21 February 2024
Rivermead School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Rivermead School 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 Rivermead School 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 offerRivermead School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Rivermead School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
SEN unit: SEN unit capacity 180; SLCN - Speech, language and Communication; ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder; SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health; PD - Physical Disability
Specialisms
- Autism
- Speech
- language and communication
- Social
- emotional and mental health
- Physical disability
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Rivermead School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Rivermead School 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
Rivermead School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Rivermead School?
Places at Rivermead School 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 Rivermead School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Rivermead School Good at its inspection on 21 February 2024. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Rivermead School and what ages does it take?
Rivermead School has around 139 pupils on roll and covers ages 4 to 16. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Rivermead School offer?
Rivermead School is recorded as a specialist school. Named areas of need include Autism, Speech, language and communication, Social, emotional and mental health, Physical disability. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Rivermead School's term dates and INSET days?
Rivermead School 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 Rivermead School and how do I contact the school?
Rivermead School is at Forge Lane, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1UG. The office number is 01634 338348. 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 Rivermead School
The closest schools to ME7 1UG, measured from each school's own location.
Gillingham · Specialist · 1.5 miles
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Chatham · Independent · 2.0 miles
Blue Skies School
Rochester · Independent · 2.2 miles
Trinity School and College
Chatham · Specialist · 3.1 miles
Bradfields Academy
Chatham · Specialist · 3.1 miles
Inspire Academy
Strood · Specialist · 3.5 miles
Abbey Court School
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