Grove Park Academy
Hilton Drive, Sittingbourne, ME10 1PT
Ofsted report card
Mixed ratings
New Nov 2025 system · 7 areas rated · See below
See the Ofsted ratingsPupils
400
Ages
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
400
Headteacher
Mrs Lauren Flain
Type
Primary
Ofsted
Rated across 7 areas
Local authority
Kent
Academy
Yes
About Grove Park Academy
Grove Park Academy is a mixed primary school based in Sittingbourne for children aged 4 to 11. It has roughly 400 pupils on roll. On our figures that is above the typical size for a primary school in Sittingbourne. It is an academy, so its governing trust sets its own admission arrangements within the national code, and Kent coordinates offers. The headteacher is Mrs Lauren Flain.
Inspection at a glance
Ofsted rated Grove Park Academy Requires Improvement at its inspection on 23 May 2023. 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, 43% met expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024/25). Attendance works out at roughly 94.4% (absence 5.6%) (2024/25). Around 30.4% 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 Grove Park Academy
You apply for a place at Grove Park Academy 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
Grove Park Academy 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
Grove Park Academy 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.
Grove Park Academy contact details and location
Grove Park Academy is at Hilton Drive, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1PT. The school office can be reached on 01795 477417. 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
Early Years
Quality of nursery and Reception
Based on the Ofsted inspection of 09/06/2026.
Grove Park Academy admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
Grove Park Academy 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 Grove Park Academy 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 offerGrove Park Academy results and attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Grove Park Academy
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Grove Park Academy
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Yes
After-school club
Yes
Grove Park Academy 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
Grove Park Academy: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Grove Park Academy?
Apply through Kent on the primary common application form by 15 January, naming Grove Park Academy as one of your preferences. Offers are made in April.
What is Grove Park Academy's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Grove Park Academy Requires Improvement at its inspection on 23 May 2023. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does Grove Park Academy offer?
Grove Park Academy 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 Grove Park Academy have a nursery or wraparound care?
Grove Park Academy 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 Grove Park Academy's term dates and INSET days?
Grove Park Academy 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 Grove Park Academy and how do I contact the school?
Grove Park Academy is at Hilton Drive, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1PT. The office number is 01795 477417. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is Grove Park Academy and what ages does it take?
Grove Park Academy has around 400 pupils on roll and covers ages 4 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 Grove Park Academy
The closest schools to ME10 1PT, measured from each school's own location.
Sittingbourne · Primary · 0.3 miles
Bobbing Village School
Sittingbourne · Primary · 0.9 miles
Westlands Primary School
Sittingbourne · Primary · 1.0 miles
Regis Manor Primary School
Sittingbourne · Primary · 1.0 miles
Borden CofE Primary School
Sittingbourne · Primary · 1.0 miles
Milton Court Primary Academy
Sittingbourne · Primary · 1.2 miles
St Peter's Catholic Primary School
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