St Helens Montessori
Lower Road, Maidstone, ME15 0JT
Age range
2 to 12
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
50
Headteacher
Miss Jeannelle Dening-Smitherman
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Outstanding
Faith
Christian
Local authority
Kent
About St Helens Montessori
St Helens Montessori is a mixed independent school based in East Farleigh, near Maidstone for children aged 2 to 12. It has roughly 50 pupils on roll. On our figures that is below the typical size for an independent school in Maidstone. It has a Christian religious character. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. Miss Jeannelle Dening-Smitherman leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 23 April 2024, St Helens Montessori was judged Outstanding. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at St Helens Montessori
St Helens Montessori 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 Helens Montessori 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
For working families the school runs an on-site nursery. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
St Helens Montessori contact details and location
You will find St Helens Montessori at Lower Road, East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 0JT. The school office can be reached on 01622 721 731. 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.
St Helens Montessori admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
St Helens Montessori 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 Christian school, faith-based criteria may apply in oversubscription - a supplementary information form is usually required. 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 Helens Montessori, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
St Helens Montessori results and attendance
KS2 results
Not published
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at St Helens Montessori
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at St Helens Montessori
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
St Helens Montessori 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 Helens Montessori: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at St Helens Montessori?
St Helens Montessori 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 Helens Montessori's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated St Helens Montessori Outstanding at its inspection on 23 April 2024. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is St Helens Montessori and what ages does it take?
St Helens Montessori has around 50 pupils on roll and covers ages 2 to 12. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does St Helens Montessori offer?
St Helens Montessori 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 Helens Montessori have a nursery or wraparound care?
St Helens Montessori offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are St Helens Montessori's term dates and INSET days?
St Helens Montessori 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 Helens Montessori and how do I contact the school?
St Helens Montessori is at Lower Road, East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 0JT. The office number is 01622 721 731. 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 St Helens Montessori
The closest schools to ME15 0JT, measured from each school's own location.
Maidstone · Primary · 0.8 miles
East Farleigh Primary School
Maidstone · Primary · 0.8 miles
Barming Primary School
Maidstone · Primary · 1.0 miles
Jubilee Primary School
Maidstone · Primary · 1.4 miles
West Borough Primary School
Maidstone · Primary · 1.7 miles
St Francis Catholic Primary School
Maidstone · Primary · 1.8 miles
Coxheath Primary School
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