Gad's Hill School
Gravesend Road, Rochester, ME3 7PA
Age range
3 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
357
Headteacher
Mr Paul Savage
Type
Independent
Inspection
Inspected by ISI
Local authority
Kent
About Gad's Hill School
Gad's Hill School is a mixed independent school based in Higham, near Rochester for children aged 3 to 16. It has roughly 357 pupils on roll. On our figures that is below the typical size for an independent school in Rochester. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. Mr Paul Savage leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
As an independent school, Gad's Hill School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted, so it does not carry an Ofsted overall grade. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at Gad's Hill School
Gad's Hill 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
Gad's Hill School 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.
Gad's Hill School contact details and location
You will find Gad's Hill School at Gravesend Road, Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7PA. The school office can be reached on 01474 822366. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Inspection
Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
Gad's Hill School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Gad's Hill 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 Gad's Hill School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Gad's Hill School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Gad's Hill School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Gad's Hill School
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Gad's Hill School 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
Gad's Hill School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Gad's Hill School?
Gad's Hill 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 Gad's Hill School's Ofsted rating?
Gad's Hill School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate rather than Ofsted, so it has no Ofsted overall grade. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Gad's Hill School and what ages does it take?
Gad's Hill School has around 357 pupils on roll and covers ages 3 to 16. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Gad's Hill School offer?
Gad's Hill School 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 Gad's Hill School have a nursery or wraparound care?
Gad's Hill School offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are Gad's Hill School's term dates and INSET days?
Gad's Hill School 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.
How much are fees at Gad's Hill School?
Gad's Hill School publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is Gad's Hill School and how do I contact the school?
Gad's Hill School is at Gravesend Road, Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7PA. The office number is 01474 822366. 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 Gad's Hill School
The closest schools to ME3 7PA, measured from each school's own location.
Rochester · Secondary · 1.1 miles
Leigh Academy Strood
Gravesend · Independent · 2.0 miles
Cobham Hall School
Rochester · Independent · 2.4 miles
King's School Rochester
Gravesend · Secondary · 2.7 miles
Thamesview School
Rochester · Independent · 2.9 miles
Rochester Independent College
Chatham · Grammar · 3.2 miles
Fort Pitt Grammar School
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