City of Rochester School
Bradbury House, View Road, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, ME3 8UJ
Age range
5 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
59
Headteacher
Mrs Alicja Emmett
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Medway
About City of Rochester School
City of Rochester School is a special school in Rochester for children aged 5 to 18, teaching boys and girls. Around 59 pupils are on roll. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. The headteacher is Mrs Alicja Emmett.
Inspection at a glance
Ofsted rated City of Rochester School Good at its inspection on 2 July 2024. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at City of Rochester School
City of Rochester 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
City of Rochester School is a specialist SEND setting, so every pupil on roll has identified additional needs. Named areas of need it supports include Autism and associated needs, communication and interaction needs. Recorded provision: Specialist school. Support listed by the school includes therapy team; personalised learning linked to EHC plans; support for communication, sensory regulation and physical coordination. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
City of Rochester School contact details and location
City of Rochester School is at Bradbury House, View Road, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8UJ. The school office can be reached on 01634 570706. 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.
City of Rochester School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
City of Rochester 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. 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 City of Rochester School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
City of Rochester School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at City of Rochester School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
Specialisms
- Autism and associated needs
- communication and interaction needs
How SEND support works
Therapy team; personalised learning linked to EHC plans; support for communication, sensory regulation and physical coordination
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at City of Rochester School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
City of Rochester 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
City of Rochester School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at City of Rochester School?
City of Rochester 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 City of Rochester School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated City of Rochester School Good at its inspection on 2 July 2024. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does City of Rochester School offer?
City of Rochester School is recorded as a specialist school. Named areas of need include Autism and associated needs, communication and interaction needs. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are City of Rochester School's term dates and INSET days?
City of Rochester 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.
How much are fees at City of Rochester School?
City of Rochester School publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is City of Rochester School and how do I contact the school?
City of Rochester School is at Bradbury House, View Road, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8UJ. The office number is 01634 570706. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is City of Rochester School and what ages does it take?
City of Rochester School has around 59 pupils on roll and covers ages 5 to 18. 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 City of Rochester School
The closest schools to ME3 8UJ, measured from each school's own location.
Strood · Specialist · 2.6 miles
Abbey Court School
Rochester · Independent · 3.6 miles
Trinity School and College
Gillingham · Specialist · 3.8 miles
Rivermead School
Chatham · Independent · 4.3 miles
Blue Skies School
Gillingham · Specialist · 5.3 miles
Danecourt School
Gravesend · Independent · 5.7 miles
Pier View Academy
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