The Elmley Dray School
18-20 Marina Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, ME12 2DP
Age range
9 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
26
Headteacher
Headteacher Emily Hollis
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
About The Elmley Dray School
Based in Sheerness, The Elmley Dray School is a special school for children aged 9 to 19 and takes boys and girls. The school currently has about 26 pupils. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. The headteacher is Headteacher Emily Hollis.
Inspection at a glance
Ofsted rated The Elmley Dray School Good at its inspection on 3 June 2025. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at The Elmley Dray School
The Elmley Dray 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
The Elmley Dray 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. Recorded provision: Specialist school. Support listed by the school includes personalised curriculum linked to EHC plans; communication and independence support; small-group teaching. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
The Elmley Dray School contact details and location
The Elmley Dray School is at 18-20 Marina Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 2DP. The school office can be reached on 01795 485039. 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.
The Elmley Dray School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
The Elmley Dray 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 The Elmley Dray School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
The Elmley Dray School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at The Elmley Dray School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
Specialisms
- Autism and associated needs
How SEND support works
Personalised curriculum linked to EHC plans; communication and independence support; small-group teaching
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at The Elmley Dray School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
The Elmley Dray 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
The Elmley Dray School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at The Elmley Dray School?
The Elmley Dray 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 The Elmley Dray School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated The Elmley Dray School Good at its inspection on 3 June 2025. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does The Elmley Dray School offer?
The Elmley Dray School is recorded as a specialist school. Named areas of need include Autism and associated needs. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are The Elmley Dray School's term dates and INSET days?
The Elmley Dray 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 The Elmley Dray School?
The Elmley Dray School publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is The Elmley Dray School and how do I contact the school?
The Elmley Dray School is at 18-20 Marina Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 2DP. The office number is 01795 485039. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is The Elmley Dray School and what ages does it take?
The Elmley Dray School has around 26 pupils on roll and covers ages 9 to 19. 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 The Elmley Dray School
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