Little Acorns Independent School
Ashford Road, Tenterden, TN30 6SR
Age range
5 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
28
Headteacher
Mrs Alison Neal
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Kent
About Little Acorns Independent School
Little Acorns Independent School is a mixed special school based in Tenterden for children aged 5 to 16. It has roughly 26 pupils on roll. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. Mrs Alison Neal leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 7 November 2023, Little Acorns Independent 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 Little Acorns Independent School
Little Acorns Independent 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
Little Acorns Independent 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.
Little Acorns Independent School contact details and location
You will find Little Acorns Independent School at Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6SR. The school office can be reached on 01233 850422. 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.
Little Acorns Independent School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Little Acorns Independent 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 Little Acorns Independent School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Little Acorns Independent School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Little Acorns Independent School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Little Acorns Independent School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Little Acorns Independent School term dates: Little Acorns Independent School term dates
Autumn 1
1 Sep to 23 Oct
Autumn 2
Autumn term 2: 2 Nov to 18 Dec
Spring 1
Spring term 1: 4 Jan to 12 Feb
Spring 2
Spring term 2: 22 Feb to 25 Mar
Summer 1
Summer term 1: 12 Apr to 28 May
Summer 2
Summer term 2: 7 Jun to 21 Jul
Little Acorns Independent School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Little Acorns Independent School?
Little Acorns Independent 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 Little Acorns Independent School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Little Acorns Independent School Good at its inspection on 7 November 2023. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Little Acorns Independent School and what ages does it take?
Little Acorns Independent School has around 26 pupils on roll and covers ages 5 to 16. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Little Acorns Independent School offer?
Little Acorns Independent 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 Little Acorns Independent School's term dates and INSET days?
Little Acorns Independent 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 Little Acorns Independent School and how do I contact the school?
Little Acorns Independent School is at Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6SR. The office number is 01233 850422. 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 Autumn 2026.
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Get my profile builtSchools near Little Acorns Independent School
The closest schools to TN30 6SR, measured from each school's own location.
Ashford · Independent · 1.0 miles
Greenfields School
Ashford · Specialist · 7.3 miles
Goldwyn Community Special School
Ashford · Specialist · 7.6 miles
The Wyvern School Buxford
Ashford · Independent · 7.8 miles
Kings Park School
Ashford · Independent · 8.3 miles
Heath Farm School
Ashford · Independent · 8.8 miles
The T3 School
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Tell us what needs updating on Little Acorns Independent School and we'll review it before the page changes.Last updated Autumn 2026.