Higham Primary School
School Lane, Rochester, ME3 7JL
Pupils
211
Ages
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
211
Headteacher
Mrs Catherine Grattan
Type
Primary
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
About Higham Primary School
Based in Higham, near Rochester, Higham Primary School is a primary school for children aged 4 to 11 and takes boys and girls. The school currently has about 211 pupils. It is a maintained school within the Kent local authority area. Mrs Catherine Grattan leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 24 January 2024, Higham Primary 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
The latest published key stage 2 figures show 57% met expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024/25). Overall absence stands at 5.2%, which is attendance of about 94.8% (2024/25). Around 11.9% 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 Higham Primary School
You apply for a place at Higham Primary School on the primary common application form through Kent, with the national deadline of 15 January. Where there are more applications than places, the school's published oversubscription criteria decide who is offered a place, typically starting with looked-after children and siblings. 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
Higham Primary 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 a breakfast club and an after-school club. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
Higham Primary School contact details and location
You will find Higham Primary School at School Lane, Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7JL. The school office can be reached on 01474 822535. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Last inspection: 24/01/2024
Quality of Education
How well pupils are taught and what they learn
Behaviour and Attitudes
How pupils behave and their attitude to learning
Personal Development
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Leadership and Management
How well the school is run
Early Years
Quality of nursery and Reception
Higham Primary School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Higham Primary School does not run its own entrance test. Places are allocated by Kent County Council using published oversubscription criteria. Oversubscription criteria usually cover looked-after children, siblings, distance from the school, and (for faith schools) faith criteria.
Official links
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 (autumn term before Reception)
Complete the Primary Common Application Form on the Kent County 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? Apply directly through Kent County Council's in-year admissions team, or in some cases direct to the school.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Higham Primary 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 offerHigham Primary School results and attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Higham Primary School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Higham Primary School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Yes
After-school club
Yes
Higham Primary 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
Higham Primary School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Higham Primary School?
Apply through Kent on the primary common application form by 15 January, naming Higham Primary School as one of your preferences. Offers are made in April.
What is Higham Primary School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Higham Primary School Good at its inspection on 24 January 2024. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Higham Primary School and what ages does it take?
Higham Primary School has around 211 pupils on roll and covers ages 4 to 11. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Higham Primary School offer?
Higham Primary 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 Higham Primary School have a nursery or wraparound care?
Higham Primary School offers a breakfast club and an after-school club. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are Higham Primary School's term dates and INSET days?
Higham Primary 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.
Where is Higham Primary School and how do I contact the school?
Higham Primary School is at School Lane, Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7JL. The office number is 01474 822535. 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 Higham Primary School
The closest schools to ME3 7JL, measured from each school's own location.
Gravesend · Primary · 1.4 miles
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Rochester · Primary · 1.8 miles
Temple Mill Primary School
Rochester · Primary · 2.0 miles
Cliffe Woods Primary School
Rochester · Primary · 2.0 miles
Bligh Primary School Infants
Rochester · Primary · 2.0 miles
Bligh Primary School Juniors
Rochester · Primary · 2.0 miles
Gordon Children's Academy Infant
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