The Quest School
The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY
Age range
5 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
27
Headteacher
Mrs Nicola Keyes Mrs Louise Smyth
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Outstanding
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
About The Quest School
The Quest School is a special school in Paddock Wood, near Tonbridge for children aged 5 to 19, teaching boys and girls. Around 27 pupils are on roll. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. The school has its own sixth form for post-16 study. The headteacher is Mrs Nicola Keyes Mrs Louise Smyth.
Inspection at a glance
Ofsted rated The Quest School Outstanding at its inspection on 23 September 2025. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at The Quest School
The Quest 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 Quest 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.
The Quest School contact details and location
The Quest School is at The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6PY. The school office can be reached on 01732 522700. 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 Quest School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
The Quest 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 Quest School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
The Quest School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Not published
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at The Quest School
SEND setting
Specialist school
SEND provision
Specialist school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at The Quest School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
The Quest 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 Quest School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at The Quest School?
The Quest 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 Quest School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated The Quest School Outstanding at its inspection on 23 September 2025. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does The Quest School offer?
The Quest 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 The Quest School's term dates and INSET days?
The Quest 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 The Quest School and how do I contact the school?
The Quest School is at The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6PY. The office number is 01732 522700. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is The Quest School and what ages does it take?
The Quest School has around 27 pupils on roll and covers ages 5 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 Quest School
The closest schools to TN12 6PY, measured from each school's own location.
Tunbridge Wells · Specialist · 5.8 miles
Oakley School
Maidstone · Specialist · 6.1 miles
Bower Grove School
Tonbridge · Specialist · 6.3 miles
Nexus Foundation Special School
Tunbridge Wells · Specialist · 6.6 miles
Meadows School
Maidstone · Specialist · 6.9 miles
Five Acre Wood School
Tonbridge · Independent · 7.1 miles
Hilden Park
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