Alchemy School
72 Station Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 9SN
Ofsted report card
Mixed ratings
New Nov 2025 system · 7 areas rated · See below
See the Ofsted ratingsPupils
73
Ages
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
73
Headteacher
Mrs Lisa Bowles
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Rated across 7 areas
Local authority
Kent
Academy
Yes
Sixth form
Yes
About Alchemy School
Alchemy School is a mixed independent school based in Teynham, near Sittingbourne for children aged 11 to 19. It has roughly 73 pupils on roll. On our figures that is below the typical size for an independent school in Sittingbourne. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Mrs Lisa Bowles leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 21 February 2023, Alchemy School was judged Good. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at Alchemy School
Alchemy 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
Alchemy School is a specialist SEND setting, so every pupil on roll has identified additional needs. Recorded provision: Specialist school. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Alchemy School contact details and location
You will find Alchemy School at 72 Station Road, Teynham, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 9SN. The school office can be reached on 1795521941. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Leadership & Governance
How well the school is led and overseen
Curriculum & Teaching
What pupils are taught and how well
Achievement
How well pupils do in their learning
Attendance & Behaviour
How pupils behave and how often they attend
Personal Development & Wellbeing
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Inclusion
How well the school supports every pupil, including those with extra needs
Sixth Form
Quality of post-16 education
Based on the Ofsted inspection of 17/03/2026.
Alchemy School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Alchemy 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 Alchemy School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Alchemy School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Not published
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Alchemy School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Alchemy School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Alchemy 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
Alchemy School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Alchemy School?
Alchemy 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 Alchemy School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Alchemy School Good at its inspection on 21 February 2023. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Alchemy School and what ages does it take?
Alchemy School has around 73 pupils on roll and covers ages 11 to 19. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Alchemy School offer?
Alchemy School is recorded as a specialist school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Alchemy School's term dates and INSET days?
Alchemy 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 Alchemy School?
Alchemy School publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is Alchemy School and how do I contact the school?
Alchemy School is at 72 Station Road, Teynham, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 9SN. The office number is 1795521941. 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.
Report an update →Do you run a business for families in Sittingbourne?
Local businesses, tutors, clubs and nurseries can have a full profile page here, in front of the parents already reading about Sittingbourne schools.
Get my profile builtSchools near Alchemy School
The closest schools to ME9 9SN, measured from each school's own location.
Chatham · Grammar · 0.4 miles
Chatham Grammar School for Girls
Gillingham · Secondary · 0.5 miles
The Robert Napier School
Gillingham · Secondary · 0.5 miles
Brompton Academy
Chatham · Secondary · 1.1 miles
The Victory Academy
Chatham · Secondary · 1.3 miles
Waterfront UTC
Chatham · Secondary · 1.4 miles
St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School
Help us keep this page accurate
Spotted something wrong?
Tell us what needs updating on Alchemy School and we'll review it before the page changes.