The Mead School
16 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5SN
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
234
Headteacher
Mrs Catherine Openshaw
Type
Independent
Inspection
Inspected by ISI
Faith
Christian
Local authority
Kent
About The Mead School
The Mead School is an independent school in Tunbridge Wells for children aged 3 to 11, teaching boys and girls. Around 234 pupils are on roll. It has a Christian religious character. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. Published fees are £5,340-£5,995 per term. Mrs Catherine Openshaw leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
As an independent school, The Mead School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted, so it does not carry an Ofsted overall grade. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
Getting a place at The Mead School
The Mead 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 Mead School 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
For working families the school runs an on-site nursery. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
The Mead School contact details and location
You will find The Mead School at 16 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5SN. The school office can be reached on 01892 525837. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Inspection
Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
The Mead School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
The Mead 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. As a Christian school, faith-based criteria may apply in oversubscription - a supplementary information form is usually required. 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 Mead School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
The Mead School results and attendance
KS2 results
Not published
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at The Mead School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at The Mead School
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
The Mead 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 Mead School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at The Mead School?
The Mead 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 Mead School's Ofsted rating?
The Mead School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate rather than Ofsted, so it has no Ofsted overall grade. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is The Mead School and what ages does it take?
The Mead School has around 234 pupils on roll and covers ages 3 to 11. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does The Mead School offer?
The Mead School 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 The Mead School have a nursery or wraparound care?
The Mead School offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are The Mead School's term dates and INSET days?
The Mead 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 Mead School?
Published fee information for The Mead School: £5,340-£5,995 per term.
Where is The Mead School and how do I contact the school?
The Mead School is at 16 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5SN. The office number is 01892 525837. 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.
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Get my profile builtSchools near The Mead School
The closest schools to TN2 5SN, measured from each school's own location.
Tunbridge Wells · Primary · 0.4 miles
Broadwater Down Primary School
Tunbridge Wells · Primary · 0.5 miles
Claremont Primary School
Tunbridge Wells · Primary · 0.8 miles
St Mark's CofE Primary School
Tunbridge Wells · Primary · 0.8 miles
St Peter's CofE Primary School
Tunbridge Wells · Primary · 0.9 miles
The Wells Free School
Tunbridge Wells · Primary · 1.0 miles
St James CofE Primary School
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