Amherst School
Witches Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 2AX
Pupils
376
Ages
7 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Age range
7 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
376
Headteacher
Mr Andrew Reid
Type
Primary
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
Academy
Yes
About Amherst School
Amherst School is a primary school in Riverhead, near Sevenoaks for children aged 7 to 11, teaching boys and girls. Around 376 pupils are on roll. On our figures that is above the typical size for a primary school in Sevenoaks. It is an academy, so its governing trust sets its own admission arrangements within the national code, and Kent coordinates offers. The headteacher is Mr Andrew Reid.
Inspection at a glance
Ofsted rated Amherst School Good at its inspection on 10 May 2022. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
At key stage 2, 78% met expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024/25). Attendance works out at roughly 96.7% (absence 3.3%) (2024/25). Around 8.8% 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 Amherst School
You apply for a place at Amherst School on the primary common application form through Kent, with the national deadline of 15 January. If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated on its published admissions criteria, which usually give priority to looked-after children, siblings and distance from home to school. 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
Amherst School is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. Support listed by the school includes one-to-one or small-group support; Support from external specialists and agencies; Support for pupils with education, health and care plans. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Before and after school
Amherst School offers 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.
Amherst School contact details and location
Amherst School is at Witches Lane, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2AX. The school office can be reached on 01732 452577. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Last inspection: 10/05/2022
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
Amherst School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Amherst 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 Kent County Council coordinates applications and offers. 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? In-year applications for an academy are usually made direct to the school - check its website for the in-year form, or contact Kent County Council if you need help finding a place.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Amherst 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 offerAmherst School results and attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Amherst School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
How SEND support works
One-to-one or small-group support; Support from external specialists and agencies; Support for pupils with education, health and care plans
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Amherst School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Yes
After-school club
Yes
Amherst 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
Amherst School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Amherst School?
Apply through Kent on the primary common application form by 15 January, naming Amherst School as one of your preferences. Offers are made in April.
What is Amherst School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Amherst School Good at its inspection on 10 May 2022. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does Amherst School offer?
Amherst 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 Amherst School have a nursery or wraparound care?
Amherst 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 Amherst School's term dates and INSET days?
Amherst 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 Amherst School and how do I contact the school?
Amherst School is at Witches Lane, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2AX. The office number is 01732 452577. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is Amherst School and what ages does it take?
Amherst School has around 376 pupils on roll and covers ages 7 to 11. 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 Amherst School
The closest schools to TN13 2AX, measured from each school's own location.
Sevenoaks · Primary · 0.3 miles
Riverhead Infants School
Sevenoaks · Primary · 0.8 miles
Chevening St Botolph's CofE Primary School
Sevenoaks · Independent · 0.9 miles
The Granville School
Sevenoaks · Primary · 1.0 miles
Dunton Green Primary School
Sevenoaks · Primary · 1.1 miles
Sevenoaks Primary School
Sevenoaks · Primary · 1.3 miles
St Thomas Catholic Primary School
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